This study compared the effects of two home training programs for patients with muscular dystrophy (MD): threshold inspiratory muscle training and breathing exercises. The study involved 23 patients with MD who were assigned to one of the two training groups. Both training programs led to significant improvements in respiratory muscle strength for patients with limb girdle and Becker MD after 12 weeks. The results showed that respiratory muscle training and breathing exercises can help delay respiratory complications and improve lung function for MD patients.

1. Muscular Dystrophy<br />Citation<br />Article Title: Comparison study of chest physiotherapy home training programmes on respiratory functions in patients with muscular dystrophy<br />Journal Name: Clinical Rehabilitation 2008; 22: 741–748<br />Date of Publication: February 23, 2008<br />Overview<br />This article consists of a study conducted to compare the effects of two home training programs, which were threshold inspiratory muscle training and breathing exercise on respiratory functions in patients with muscular dystrophy (MD). The study consisted of twenty-three patients with MD; 17 of them suffer from limb-girdle MD while the other 6 participants had Becker MD. These patients were assigned to either a threshold inspiratory muscle training group or a breathing exercise group and were all ambulatory with no clinical signs of respiratory issues or cardiomyopathy. The results of the study showed there was significant improvement in respiratory muscle strength following the 12 week home training programs for those with limb girdle and Becker muscular dystrophy. <br />Main Points<br />-The results of the study prove that ambulatory patients with MD can increase their respiratory muscle strength by training those specific muscles.<br />- Enhancement of respiratory muscular function is key in the delay of respiratory complications in those who suffer from MD<br />-The study found that breathing exercises, such as pursed lip breathing and deep breathing are great strategies that drastically improve tidal volume and oxygen saturation for those with myotonic MD.<br />-The techniques that improve respiratory muscle strength should be included in the physiotherapy management for MD patients<br />-Inspiratory muscle strength can be improved without resistive breathing exercises.<br />-On the other hand, expiratory muscle strength can be enhanced by deep and forceful breathing exercises.<br />-Breathing exercises can easily be done at home.<br />Relevance<br />I believe this article is relevant to my future because of the fact that I will definitely encounter patients with some type of muscular dystrophy in the physical therapy atmosphere. I believe that I should be especially knowledgeable about the different types of muscular dystrophy and their apparent symptoms. It will be my job as a physical therapist to help the patients with muscular dystrophy improve their muscular strength and reduce the symptoms of the disease, as well as prevent other conditions from occurring. Although, I may not work with many patients who need therapy for their respiratory muscles, as these patients will be helped by a respiratory therapist, I still believe that it is important for me to be able to provide my assistance for any type of muscular dystrophy patient.<br />