CMT and Exercise

[CMTUnitedKindom]

1. Is it physiologically possible for me (with CMT) to build up muscle mass in my upper arms?

Providing that severe weakness is not present in these muscle then studies have shown that improvements in strength can be made with low to moderate weight training. We would advise guidance of a gym instructor or physiotherapist to start you off to help direct what level this is and where to start. This will vary from person to person. Advice from a professional will ensure that exercises are performed in an optimal, safe position for the muscles to work effectively. This is particularly important for people who have reduced sensation of their limb position.

It is important not to confuse strengthening with “bulking up”. When a person starts a training program, any increase in strength is due to an increase in the number of muscle fibres a person uses to do the specific exercise. The muscle fibres will only increase in size after 12 weeks. It’s important to bear in mind that a person can not expect to build up “Popeye” arms if their natural build is of a “Olive Oyl”. Your natural build will determine the extent you can bulk up.

2. Will weight training cause my CMT to increase in severity?

Research into exercise in neuromuscular conditions has shown that there is no increase in weakness with low to moderate intensity weight training. The benefits of exercise far out way any risks of “over work weakness”. Any risks should be minimized with sensible precautions:

• Exercise at a low to moderate level as advised by your gym instructor/physiotherapist

• Do not exercise to exhaustion

• If you experience excessive muscle soreness longer than 48 hours then you have probably worked too hard

3. Will any muscle I do build up rapidly waste away due to my CMT?

Muscle wasting associated with CMT is slow to progress and will tend to be at the extremities (hands and lower leg). If you were to build up your upper arm strength through weight training, we would not expect you to lose this effect due to the disease process if you have the more common types of CMT. A muscle will lose strength if you stopped exercising it. This is called “disuse atrophy”. In other words, if you don’t use it, you lose it.

4. Should I not exercise certain parts of my body?

There are no parts of the body to avoid though it would appear from research studies that there is little benefit to strengthening severely weak muscles. However, we would recommend general exercise as well as (or instead of) weight training, particularly exercise that strengthens muscles important for good posture and balance. Exercises such as yoga, Pilates, Tai Chi would all be beneficial. Studies have shown that aerobic type exercises, such as walking, swimming and cycling help to increase endurance, reduce fatigue, improve mood and increase the ability to do day- to-day activities. Exercise doesn’t mean having to go to a gym. You can achieve aerobic benefits from daily routine changes such as walking a bit further or climbing the stairs instead of taking the lift. We would recommend that if you are used to doing certain sports then continue with them as long as you are able. You may find that your balance or ability to run is compromised over time.

Another important area of exercise to consider is muscle stretching. General stretching after exercise is important to prevent injury and muscle soreness. However, particularly in CMT, daily stretches are important to maintain muscle length and slow down the development of deformities in the hands and feet. It is vital you stretch in the correct position and hold the stretch correctly. We recommend that you follow a stretching programme prescribed by a physiotherapist.

Happy exercising!

Liz Dewar is a senior physiotherapist at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery. She has worked with many people with CMT in the physiotherapy and orthotics clinic setting. Gita Ramdharry is a research physiotherapist at the Institute of Neurology. She is currently undertaking a research study on walking problems in CMT.

Liz and Gita would like to emphasize that they practice what they preach and exercise three times a week!

[bev5985]

Due to my CMT and joint problems this has resulted in back surgery many years ago and knee replacement 2.5 years ago which were not successful. I would like to do some form of exercise but because of mobility problems find I am limited to what I should do. Any suggests or guides would help

[CMTUnitedKindom Partner]

Swimming is probably your best bet, although you do need to be very careful walking around the pool. If you can find a disabled swimming club in your area (your local council run leisure centre is probably your best first port of call) then that would be ideal, because there will be support on hand to help you in and out of the water, and the water itself is often warmer.

But probably what you ought to do first is see a physiotherapist (GP referral) and get their recommendations as to what to do, and how to do it safely.

[curlyburli]

I have started leg and balance exercises through the physio dept,. They are gentle exercises and I hold onto the back of a armchair while doing them.

Not sure if they are a benefit for me though. My balance is still deteriating. I do them daily with weekends off.

I have asked if I can use the exercise bike and treadmill at the physio gym to try to get cardiac/resp,. exercise.

[bev5985]

Swimming i used to do until my husband became ill as he used to help me in and out of the pool but the disabled swimming class it too late on an evening for me to participate in that i am usually too exhausted by then hopefully will try to go again if and when my husband can help me

[bansaleb]

One thing that not alot of Doctors will warn you about working out and lifting weights is the importance of stretching after working out. From the avid weightlifter in me, stretching is important to maintain your range of motion and to not let your muscles tighten and eventually atrophy (Yes, you can lose muscle from not stretching with/without CMT or MD.) If you were looking for something to boost your upper arm strength ex Bis, Tris, Shoulders...You will need to stretch your forearm muscles frequently to help reduce atrophy. Also have a point of stretch from your thumbs too as CMT patients atrophy there too. From a CMT patient myself, stretching is important in general. It helps keep my muscles/tendons loose wwhich has a direct effect on the amount of muscle attrition I experience. I believe stretching is the most important thing a CMT patient can do. Paired with working out, your atrophy will greatly be reduced over your lifetime. I am a patient and a personal trainer. I invite everyone and anyone with CMT to add me on facebook to provide more rapport and easiness with asking for advice from somebody that has CMT.

[markygs in reply to bansaleb]

Whats ya Facebook page please?