Comparison of Low-intensity Aerobic Exercise with Assisted Bicycle Exercise on Quality of Life and Lung Function in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

Background: Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disorder that affects males worldwide. Low-intensity aerobic exercises have been proven effective for older populations and may offer potential benefits for individuals with DMD.Objectives: This study assessed low-intensity aerobic exercises and compared their effects with those of assisted bicycle exercises on the quality of life and lung functions of individuals with DMD.Methods: A quasi-experimental study was conducted which involved 38 DMD children divided into two groups. Group I consisted of 19 children who received low-intensity aerobic exercises, while Group II, underwent assisted bicycle exercises. Both groups received a 60-minute exercise regimen and performed deep diaphragmatic breathing exercises for 10 minutes. A home programme was provided to ensure the continuity of the exercises. The study duration was ten weeks.Results: The results showed significantly improved quality of life and lung function for both groups. The student t test values for DMD QoL, FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/VC were 8.22 (p < 0.001), 6.12 (p < 0.001), 11.28 (p < 0.001), and 9.12 (p < 0.001), respectively.Conclusion: This study demonstrated that low-intensity aerobic exercises and assisted bicycle training can improve the quality of life as well as lung functions in individuals with DMD. Moreover, low-intensity aerobic exercises showed greater improvements compared to assisted bicycle exercises.How to cite this article:Anandan D, Anandh V, Arunachalam R, Vasanthi RK, Daniel RS, Shanthidevi M,Arun B. Comparison of Low-intensity Aerobic Exercise with Assisted Bicycle Exercise on Quality of Life and Lung Function in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Chettinad Health City Med J. 2023;12(4):31-36. DOI: https://doi.org/10.24321/2278.2044.202368