The effects of 12 weeks’ resistance training on psychological parameters and quality of life in adults with Facioscapulohumeral, Becker, and Limb–girdle dystrophies

O’Dowd, Dawn N, Bostock, Emma L, Smith, Dave, Morse, Christopher I, Orme, Paul and Payton, Carl J (2022) The effects of 12 weeks’ resistance training on psychological parameters and quality of life in adults with Facioscapulohumeral, Becker, and Limb–girdle dystrophies. Disability and Rehabilitation, 44 (20). pp. 5950-5956. ISSN 0963-8288

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Abstract

Purpose Investigate the impact of 12-weeks’ moderate-intensity resistance training on psychological parameters in ambulatory adults with Facioscapulohumeral, Becker, and Limb–girdle muscular dystrophy. Methods Seventeen adults with Facioscapulohumeral (n = 6), Limb–girdle (n = 6; types 2A, 2B, 2L, and 2I), or Becker (n = 5) muscular dystrophy took part. Participants were tested at baseline (PRE), after a 12-week control period (PRE2), and after a 12-week supervised resistance training programme (POST). Training included multi-joint and single-joint resistance exercises. Outcomes from self-report questionnaires were health-related quality of life, depressive symptoms, trait anxiety, self-esteem, and physical self-worth. Results No difference in outcome measures, except depressive symptoms, was found in the control period (PRE to PRE2). Symptoms of depression were reduced by 9% from PRE to PRE2 (p < 0.05) and by a further 19% from PRE2 to POST (p < 0.05). Other changes from PRE2 to POST were that trait anxiety reduced by 10%, self-esteem increased by 10%, physical self-worth increased by 20%, and quality of life improved in 8 domains (p < 0.05). Conclusion These findings demonstrate the positive impact of moderate-intensity resistance training on psychological health and quality of life in adults with Facioscapulohumeral, Becker, and Limb–girdle muscular dystrophies. Implications for rehabilitation Resistance training can have a positive impact on psychological health and quality of life in adults with Facioscapulohumeral, Becker, and Limb–girdle muscular dystrophy. Healthcare professionals should consider including moderate-intensity resistance training within the management and treatment programmes of adults with Facioscapulohumeral, Becker, and Limb–girdle muscular dystrophy.