The exercises for various forms of muscular dystrophies are designed to improve the functionality and coordination of the muscles and to preserve the remaining muscles as much as possible. For those affected, this ideally means an improvement in general strength and mobility and a slowing down of the progressive disease process. Depending on the cause of the muscular dystrophy, a patient-specific training plan with specific exercises is drawn up, which can initially be carried out under supervision and then independently at home. General information on this topic can be found in the article: Muscular Dystrophy
Exercises
In the treatment of muscular dystrophies there are three large groups of exercises that patients should follow. One of them is aerobic exercises, but these include endurance training to such an extent that normal conversation would still be possible (swimming, cycling, walking, water gymnastics). The second group are strength exercises, which in case of muscular dystrophies are best done with light weights but a high number of repetitions.
The last group are stretching exercises, which shape the muscles and keep them supple. The following are some exercises: 1) Light interval training Walk at a normal pace for 10 minutes, then jog for 5 minutes and repeat the whole thing 1-2 times, depending on your fitness level. 2) Strength arms Take two weights in your hands and then lift your arms sideways at shoulder level.
Hold this position for 5 seconds and lower your arms again. 10 repetitions. 3) Strength Legs Sit on a chair and put a book between your ankles.
Now lift your legs so that they are stretched forward. Hold for 5 seconds, then slowly lower them again. 10 repetitions.
4) Back strength Lie on your stomach. Now lift arms and legs and head about 20cm off the floor and hold the position for 20 seconds. 3 repetitions.
5) Chest and arms strength Lie on your back and bend your arms sideways. In your hands hold two light weights. Now push your arms straight up and then slowly lower them to the side.
15 repetitions. 6) Stretch Lie on your back and stretch your arms to the side. Now beat your right leg over your left and angle it 90°.
Turn your head to the right. Hold the stretch for 20 seconds and then change sides. 7) Stretching Stand with your legs apart and then bend your right leg by shifting your center of gravity to this side, the left leg remains straight.
Hold the stretch for 20 seconds and then change sides. 8) Stretching Hold on to a chair back and with your right hand grasp your right ankle and pull your heel towards your buttocks. Hold the stretch for 20 seconds and then change sides.
9) Stretching With your right hand, move your left arm over your right shoulder until you feel a stretch. Hold this for 20 seconds, then change sides. More exercises can be found in the following articles:
- Exercises for muscular dystrophy
- Stretching exercises
- Physiotherapy exercises
- Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation
