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Home-based exercise training in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy: A 12-month intervention study
Stian Hammer1,2, Maria Vollsæter3,4, Michel Toussaint5
1Department of Physiotherapy, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.
Insights
A home-based exercise program improved physical activity levels and quality of life in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The program was safe and suitable for participants, potentially sustaining function and well-being.
Area of Science:
- Neuromuscular Disorders
- Pediatric Rehabilitation
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive neuromuscular disorder impacting physical activity and ambulation.
- Promoting physical activity is crucial for children with disabilities, as recommended by the WHO.
- Limited research exists on the long-term effects of home-based exercise programs for boys with DMD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess changes in physical activity (PA), physical function, and quality of life (QoL) after a one-year home-based exercise program in boys with DMD.
- To evaluate the suitability and safety of this exercise intervention for boys with DMD.
- To compare outcomes between an intervention group and a non-intervention control group.
Main Methods:
- Prospective longitudinal intervention study involving 12 boys with DMD in an exercise group and 11 in a control group.
- Individually tailored home-based program with strength and endurance training, three times weekly for one year.
- Physical activity monitored via accelerometry; secondary outcomes included upper-limb function, lung function, grip strength, endurance, and QoL.
Main Results:
- The intervention group showed increased light and moderate-to-vigorous PA levels, while the control group showed a decline.
- Sedentary time increased in both groups; no adverse events were reported from the exercise program.
- Upper-limb function declined in the intervention group, but other measures remained stable with a slight QoL improvement.
Conclusions:
- Home-based, moderate-intensity exercise is beneficial and safe for boys with DMD.
- This exercise approach may help sustain PA levels, functional abilities, and QoL in this population.
- Further research should explore long-term adherence and broader functional outcomes.
Abstract:
PurposeDuchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive X-linked neuromuscular disorder that reduces physical activity (PA) levels and leads to early loss of ambulation. The World Health Organization recommends promoting daily PA for children with disabilities. The primary aim of this study was to assess changes in PA level, physical function, and quality of life (QoL) after one year of a home-based exercise program in boys with DMD. Secondarily, it aimed to evaluate the suitability and safety of the exercise program for this patient group.MethodsIn this prospective longitudinal intervention study, 12 boys with DMD (ambulatory and non-ambulatory) participated in an individually tailored program combining strength and endurance training three times per week for one year. Another 11 boys with DMD served as a non-intervention comparison group. PA-levels were monitored using accelerometery. Secondary outcomes included upper-limb function, lung function, grip strength, endurance, and health-related QoL.ResultsLight and moderate-to-vigorous PA-levels increased in the intervention group but declined in the non-intervention group. Sedentary time increased in both groups. No adverse events were related to the intervention. While upper-limb function declined, other measures remained stable, with a small improvement in QoL.ConclusionHome-based, moderate-intensity exercise appears to be beneficial and safe, and may sustain PA-levels, functional abilities, and QoL in boys with DMD.
