Progressive Weakness Rehabilitation

People with neuromuscular disease (NMD) typically suffer from muscle weakness as a result of both their disease and as a consequence of their physical inactivity.

The effects and goals of strength training differ among the rapidly and the slowly progressive disorders. Patients with a rapidly progressing NMD aim to slow down the weakening of their muscle, whereas slowly progressing NMD patients attempt to improve their strength. Among the studies performed, results indicate that no harm to the muscle occurs to either population during submaximal exercise. In terms of the rapidly progressive diseases, strength was either maintained or slightly improved in studies on Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients. The goal of the slowly progressive population was also met with increased strength in variable amounts. Studies showed that no differences in strength gains occurred between submaximal and maximal training regimens. Very weak patients do not have significant capacity to improve strength using these protocols. Therefore, clinicians recommend a supervised, submaximal strengthening program for patients who wish to maintain or increase their strength levels.