Combined endurance and resistance training in participants with muscle dystrophies: a randomized controlled trial

Muscular Dystrophies (MD) are genetic neuromuscular disorders characterized by a progressive loss of muscle mass and impaired muscle function. This study aimed to determine whether a group-based supervised exercise training program could improve functional capacity and other secondary physical variables in participants with MDs.

patients were randomly allocated to one of the study groups: intervention (IG) or control (CG). Intervention consisted of endurance and resistance training at low-to-moderate intensity twice weekly during 12 weeks as well as a home-based respiratory muscle training program. Main outcome was change in physical functioning based on the Time Up and Go Test (TUG) after 12-week.

45 participants were screened and 38 were finally randomized (19 per arm). Participants in the IG showed a significant but not clinically relevant improvement in the TUG (Z score -2.173, p = 0.030). Both groups improved peripheral muscle strength, being improvements larger in IG compared to CG for quadriceps strength (p = 0.009). CG participants showed a worsening of current fatigue at 12 weeks compared to no change in IG (p = 0.003).

combined endurance and strength supervised exercise training is feasible and safe in participants with MD but limited effectiveness is observed to improve functional and quality of life outcomes.