Things to Remember
As the condition develops, an increasing amount of energy is required for activities and movement, and often results in increased sedentary time and inactivity. Inactivity can potentially lead to secondary degeneration of healthy muscle fibres through the progressive disuse of the muscles – the same effect inactivity has on anyone’s muscles. This side effect of inactivity is more debilitating for someone already experiencing progressive muscle weakness and degeneration. Tailored physical activity by an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) can assist in delaying the secondary deterioration of muscle tissue and the loss of functional abilities as a result of disuse.
An Accredited Exercise Physiologist can provide a well-designed program to ensure the child is completing regular tailored activity. With an AEP taking into consideration the maturation of the individual, as well as severity, rate of progression and location of the muscle weakness, and careful selection as to the type of exercise, frequency, intensity, and duration of training, exercise can be beneficial. Regular activity can delay degeneration and improve/maintain strength and improve quality of life for the child.
It is important to note that despite its benefits, exercise is not a cure, and cannot prevent the progressive degeneration of the muscle fibres.