Limb‐girdle muscular dystrophies: A scoping review and overview of currently available rehabilitation strategies

Abstract

Limb‐girdle muscular dystrophies (LGMDs) constitute a diverse group of inherited disorders primarily affecting skeletal muscle. Despite the absence of cures, rehabilitative treatments offer potential for preventing and mitigating loss of muscle strength. However, the role of exercise training in LGMD patients remains contentious. This review aims to provide an overview of the currently available motor rehabilitation strategies for the most common subtypes of LGMD. To identify relevant articles, we performed a systematic search in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, focusing on muscular and respiratory interventions. The search resulted in 560 potentially relevant articles, of which 16 were included in the review. Eight studies concentrated on neuromuscular functional rehabilitation therapy programs, seven combined both neuromuscular rehabilitation and interventions to maintain or enhance respiratory functionality and one focused on respiratory intervention only. Altogether, the papers examined offered a comprehensive view on the rehabilitative strategies available and provided an indication of the most valuable practices to deal with patients' health and needs. Upon analysis, we conclude that, when tailored to individual needs, muscle training can enhance strength and functional abilities, positively impacting psychological well‐being. However, generic protocols may lead to limited benefits, fatigue, pain, and compliance issues. Moreover, early management of respiratory symptoms and personalized respiratory physiotherapy can enhance patients' well‐being and their capability to participate in muscle training exercises. Future studies should not only refine rehabilitation approaches but also assess their impact on patients' quality of life, including psychological factors like depression and self‐esteem.