Effects of a 12-week Strength Training Program in Men With Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1

Effects of a 12-week Strength Training Program in Men With Myotonic Dystrophy Type 1

Eleven men with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) underwent a 12-week lower-limb strength training program. The training program consisted of 3 series of 6 to 8 maximal repetitions of 5 different exercises: Leg extension, leg press, hip abduction, squat and plantar flexion. Training sessions were closely supervised and took place twice a week. It is hypothesised that the training program will induce muscular hypertrophy despite the genetic defect. The training program should also have positive effects on function. The participants were evaluated at baseline, week 6, week 12, month 6 and month 9 to see the effects of the training program and if these effects are maintained over time.

Inclusion Criteria:

• DM1 diagnosis must be confirmed by genetic analysis;
• Male gender, aged between 30 and 65 years old;
• Be able to walk without assistance;
• Consent of the neurologist must be given to participate in this study;
• Must reside in the Saguenay-Lac-St-Jean region;
• Subjects must be able to give their consent freely and voluntarily.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with any other form of muscular dystrophy are excluded;
• Any contraindication for strenuous exercise or muscle biopsy.