WHAT IS NEUROMUSCULAR DISEASE?
Neuromuscular diseases are neurological diseases where the nerves that control body movements and relay sensory information are impaired. They can either be acquired or passed through genetics. Neuromuscular diseases can be split into 6 categories INCLUDING Muscular dystrophies; Motor neuron conditions; Metabolic muscle conditions; Neuromuscular myopathies; Neuromuscular junction conditions; Peripheral nerve conditions. Some common types of neuromuscular disease include multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, Parkinson’s disease, Huntington’s disease and peripheral neuropathy. It has been estimated that 20,000 Australians have some form of neuromuscular disease.
HOW CAN EXERCISE HELP NEUROMUSCULAR DISEASE?
Participating in regular bouts of exercise has been found to be beneficial for those with neuromuscular diseases as it reduces the rate of muscle degeneration, improves movement and muscle control, reduces risk of falls and injury, reduces symptoms and associated co-morbidities, promotes independence and improves quality of life. Exercise not only improves physical functioning, it also increases cardiovascular health, respiratory function and mental wellbeing. Participating in aerobic exercise and resistance training improves aerobic fitness, strength, muscle endurance, movement patterns and functional capacity. With the combination of aerobic exercise and resistance training being shown to be effective in assisting those with multiple sclerosis in walking. Regular stretching and mobility exercises have been shown to be effective in preventing and reducing muscle contractions. Regularly performing progressive balance tasks reduces falls risk and injuries.
WHAT TYPES OF EXERCISE?
- Slowly and safely progress towards 150-300 minutes of light to moderate exercise per week. Starting off with as little as 5-10 minutes of continuous light intensity exercise for 1-2 days a week and progress towards 30-60 minutes 5-7 days a week.
- This should consist of cardiovascular exercise (e.g. walking, stationary cycling, swimming or seated aerobic exercise), resistance training (e.g. machine weights, free weights, bands and body weight exercises), stretching and balance activities. ·
- Avoid exercising alone or on unstable surfaces due to the increased risk of falls.·
- Progressively increase the difficulty of exercise and avoid pushing too hard if peripheral nerves are impaired as this may result in delayed feedback from pain receptorAllow a rest period of 48 hours between resistance training sessions. ·
- It can be beneficial to work with a trained professional such as an accredited exercise physiologist who are educated on mental health conditions and know the challenges faced by individuals with mental health conditions.
HOW CAN WE HELP YOU?
Our exercise physiologists will complete a comprehensive assessment to ensure exercise prescription is safe, and individualised to your conditions and needs. We offer a range of services including but not limited to:
- Hydrotherapy
- Gym-based exercise therapy
- Home-based exercise therapy
- Group sessions
- Pilates
It is recommended that you to speak with your general practitioner or specialist prior to commencing an exercise program.
