Recommendations to Define Exercise Prescription for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

In Brief Duchenne muscular dystrophy yields pervasive and progressive muscle weakness. This weakness may be attenuated by regular, low-intensity exercise. However, there is a critical lack of data to support appropriate exercise prescription. Because inappropriate activity may exacerbate the dystrophic process, a systematic analysis of muscle function to determine potential exercise load thresholds to avoid injury in dystrophic mice and dogs, and then in humans, is recommended. Studies are required to define a safe and effective exercise prescription for individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.