Effectiveness of exercise therapy on motor functions among individuals with facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy: a systematic review

ABSTRACT | INTRODUCTION: Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) is prevalent innate autosomal dominant form of muscular dystrophy (MD) involving asymmetrical progression of muscle weakness. However, there is a dearth of literature that exists regarding effective exercise therapy interventions. Therefore, this review aims to identify and synthesize the existing evidence on effective exercise therapy interventions for improving motor functions. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the current evidence of the effectiveness of exercise therapy programs in improving motor function among individuals with FSHD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We gathered data as per Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta- Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines. Multiple databases were searched for Randomized Controlled trials that investigate the effectiveness of physiotherapy intervention for FSHD published from 2004 to 2024. PEDro scale and Cochrane risk of bias tool was used to evaluate the studies’ quality and risk of bias. RESULT: Out of 974 studies, only 7 studies fulfilled the predesigned selection criteria of the review. Out of 7 studies, five studies show good quality and low risk of bias while two studies show fair quality and high risk of bias. In included studies strength training (ST), endurance training (ET), aerobic training (AET), and high-intensity interval training (HIT), were commonly used treatment interventions. CONCLUSION: This review concludes that the various interventions utilized in the studies that were included in our analysis were both safe and effective in enhancing motor function for individuals diagnosed with FSHD.