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Assisted leg cycle exercise for wheelchair users with muscular dystrophy
Nanna S Poulsen1, Jonas J Loft1, Rebecca K Andersen1
1Copenhagen Neuromuscular Center, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
Journal of Neuromuscular Diseases
|July 22, 2026
Summary
Assisted leg cycling may improve quality of life and reduce pain and fatigue for wheelchair users with muscular dystrophy. This exercise intervention also shows potential for lowering HbA1c, especially in those with diabetes.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Wheelchair users with muscular dystrophy experience unique health challenges.
- Sedentary lifestyles and wheelchair use exacerbate these issues.
- Exercise benefits are less understood in this population due to potential limitations from low muscle mass.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the benefits and adverse events of assisted leg cycling.
- To assess improvements in fatigue, pain, constipation, and quality of life.
- To evaluate secondary outcomes like exercise performance and metabolic health.
Main Methods:
- 19 wheelchair users with muscular dystrophy participated.
- A 10-week control period was followed by 10 weeks of assisted leg cycling (20 min, 3x/week).
- Efficacy and secondary outcomes were measured at baseline, post-control, and post-intervention, with a 1.5-year follow-up.
Main Results:
- Significant decreases in lower back pain and fatigue were observed.
- Physical quality of life improved, while constipation showed mixed results but improved in over half.
- HbA1c levels decreased, particularly in participants with diabetes; other measures showed no significant change.
Conclusions:
- Assisted cycling appears to be a feasible health intervention for wheelchair users with muscular dystrophy.
- It may effectively reduce lower back pain, fatigue, and constipation, while enhancing quality of life.
- The intervention shows promise for improving metabolic health, specifically HbA1c, in this population.
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