Effect of exercise training on clinical and physiological variables in adults with myotonic dystrophy type 1: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Abstract
Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a progressive neuromuscular disorder characterized by muscle weakness, fatigue, reduced endurance, and impaired quality of life. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effects of exercise training on clinical and physiological outcomes in adults with DM1. Six databases were searched for studies published between 2003 and 2023. Randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, and longitudinal cohort studies involving adults with DM1 undergoing aerobic or resistance training were included, and risk of bias was assessed. Meta-analyses used standardized mean differences with fixed- or random-effects models based on heterogeneity. Fourteen studies were included. Most studies demonstrated low risk of bias. Only one study reported any adverse events, and the incidence of these events was similar in occurrence between the intervention and standard care only groups. Meta-analysis demonstrated a moderate improvement in strength (p = 0.022). Endurance showed a large but non-significant pooled effect (p = 0.14). Meta-analyses for fatigue (p = 0.49) and sleep (p > 0.05) were inconclusive. Narrative synthesis indicated improvements in most clinical and physiological outcomes, while sleep outcomes showed minimal or inconsistent changes across studies. Exercise training appears safe and provides moderate benefits for strength and selected clinical and physiological outcomes in adults with DM1. Future well-powered trials…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a meta-analysis, done in people. Its evidence level is 1 of 5 (Highest · pooled evidence). Pooled evidence from several studies sits at the top of the evidence pyramid.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Biportal endoscopic versus microscopic lumbar decompressive laminectomy in patients with spinal stenosis: A randomized controlled trial
- A whey protein-based multi-ingredient nutritional supplement stimulates gains in lean body mass and strength in healthy older men: A randomized controlled trial
- Supplement-based nutritional strategies to tackle frailty: A multifactorial, double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial
- A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, proof-of-concept trial of creatine monohydrate as adjunctive treatment for bipolar depression
- Creatine supplementation (3 g/day) and bone health in older women: a 2-year, randomized, placebo-controlled trial
- A Multi-Ingredient Nutritional Supplement in Combination With Resistance Exercise and High-Intensity Interval Training Improves Cognitive Function and Increases N-3 Index in Healthy Older Men: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.