Progressive exercise therapy in muscle dystrophy: two case studies in adult patients with DM2 and LGMD2D

These two case studies aimed to investigate the effect and acceptance of progressive strength training in patients with muscular dystrophy. Case 1 completed a progressive resistance exercise over 12 weeks. The results showed increases in leg extensor strength, hand strength and balance. Furthermore, the anaerobic test showed an increase in the maximum glycolysis rate. Creatine kinase levels were reduced while maintaining low muscle soreness. Case 2 conducted seven weeks of electronically assisted strength training and electromyostimulation. In the course of the training, an increase in the self-contribution of the performance in the execution of movement was observed in the assisted strength training. Furthermore, an increase in the intensity of external stimuli was observed. The creatine kinase showed a reduction with physiological behavior of muscle soreness. The results demonstrate the acceptance and feasibility of progressive exercise protocols used to increase performance in two cases of muscular dystrophy.