Update on the physical therapeutic treatment of the muscular distrophies of Duchenne and Becker

Abstract

The muscular distrophies of Duchenne (DMD) and Becker (DMB) are neuromuscular disturbances of recessive autossomic heritage linked to the X comossome. The role of the physiotherapist in face of these illnesses is still controvertial. The study consists of an update bibliographical revision on the physical therapeutic treatment of DMD and BMD. It intends to evidence the importance of accomplishing Physical therapy in these illnesses. Therefore, a review of the last 12 years studies and scientific articles on DMD and BMD – their cardiac and respiratory alterations and physical therapeutic treatment – was accomplished. The study was held in the libraries of Feevale University Center by searching in sites of the InterNet, as well as publications of international impact. The references suggest that patients with DMD and BMD need physical therapeutic treatment, that the procedures need to be adapted to the patients’ age and that they aim at delaying the clinical evolution and preventing secondary complications of the diseases. The evolution of new techniques and instruments applied in Physical therapy greatly contribute to the aim of improving these patients’ quality of life and their functional abilities.