Activities that Benefit Muscular Dystrophy Patients

Muscular dystrophy (MD) is a disease that occurs mainly in children and especially in boys. It is characterized by the progressive weakening of the body muscles. It is not a single disease, but rather a bunch of them, with the wrong kind of genetic code being the main culprit behind their development. At present, there are limited medical options for their treatment. However, the quality of life for people living with MD can be improved significantly with various activities. Below is a list of activities which muscular dystrophy patients can enjoy.

Muscular dystrophy, or MD, is a medical condition that mostly affects children, and among them, it especially targets boys. This disease leads to the weakening of the body muscles. Currently, there are limited treatment options available to combat it, but one can still improve their quality of life by carrying out multiple activities. Below are a few such activities which an MD patient can enjoy:

• Moving is key to keeping one’s muscles healthy. Carrying out small movements or doing light exercises are actions that are really good for those with MD. But the individual should not just take on any kind of exercise since, in certain cases, it can damage the muscles rather than help them. You can speak to your doctor and determine the right activities to be carried out.
• There are three stages of MD, and exercise would not be possible in all of them. In the first stage, it is very important to stay active. One can attend exercise as well as physiotherapy sessions to gain the maximum benefits. The second is the wheelchair stage, wherein the patient’s focus should be on eating the right kind of diet, as well as medical aid. Last is the ventilator stage, wherein the individual would not be able to do much.
• Before you start to exercise, be sure to carry out a warm-up session and, once you are done with the workout, it should be followed by a stretching session for five to ten minutes. In some cases, the individual can carry out the stretches by themselves, but in others, they may need help from trainers.
• Breathing exercises should be a part of everyone’s exercise routine. But, while breathing, it is important to pay attention to certain groups of muscles; the rib cage muscles, for example, are known to be one of the most important areas for breathing exercises.
• The individual can also take part in a singing group, play around with a wind instrument, or maybe even spend some time blowing bubbles.
• The individual can participate in swimming activities or aqua therapy, too. These are known to reduce stress levels as well as utilize the muscles. Most of the muscle groups are involved and they all can receive the benefits provided by a moderate class of aerobic exercise.
• Aqua therapy is an engaging activity that many people enjoy, irrespective of their age. These activities help to change the mood and also relax the body. When you choose any of these activities, you can find instructors who have previously worked with individuals living with MD.

It is important to understand that an individual who is suffering from MD should make physical activity a regular part of their daily lives based on how much their body can take. But at the same time, they should be sure that the body does not get overworked, or else, in certain cases, it can lead to worsening of the symptoms. Try to avoid sitting in front of the television and get moving instead.