Muscular dystrophy (MD) is a group of genetic diseases that lead to progressive weakness and degeneration of the skeletal muscles. There are over 30 different types of MD. They differ depending on the extent of the affected muscles and also by age of onset, progression and the hereditary condition of the disease. The prognosis for individuals with MD varies by type and rate of progression. For some types of MD a high mortality rate exists in early childhood. Other types will allow for a normal lifespan with a very slow progression of symptoms. The most common form the disease is Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy (DMD), which often presents itself in male toddlers between the ages of three to five. DMD is characterized by the absence of dystrophin, a structural protein of skeletal muscle. The lack of dystrophin results in the progressive weakness of skeletal muscle resulting in the inability to walk by the teen years. In some cases, a respirator will be needed to assist individuals with breathing during adulthood. Other common types of MD include Facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FMD), the onset of which occurs during the teen years and results in progressive weakness of the face, neck, arms, shoulders, chest and legs. It symptoms can be mild to severely disabling. Myotonic muscular dystrophy (MMD) is the most common adult form of MD. Its symptoms include prolonged muscle spasms, cataracts, and complications with the cardiovascular and endocrine system. Currently, there is no cure for MD. Treatments focus on maintaining function and independence through physical and occupational therapy, and the prevention of secondary issues including respiratory infections.

As with the general population, individuals with MD benefit from forms of physical activity, while sedentary behaviors have a negative impact on their lifestyle. The benefits of exercise include improved cardiovascular fitness, bone mass, muscular strength and endurance. However, the role of exercise for individuals with MD is not entirely clear, as there is concern that exercise may have a negative impact due to the increased risk of muscle damage. Most research investigating exercise and MD has been performed using mouse models, with limited studies involving human subjects. It appears that heavy resistance training has negative effects on dystrophic skeletal muscle, more specifically during eccentric contractions ¹; while light to moderate intensity exercise has the potential to increase strength with no significant damage to muscle ^{1, 2, 3}. Additional research has shown benefits following light endurance activity that results in no muscle damage accompanied with moderate intensity strength training for individuals with FMD and MMD ^{4, 5}. Though the benefits of strength training were not statistically significant, the potential to increase muscle strength may play an important biological and functional role. In conclusion, light to moderate exercise appears to be beneficial for most forms of MD. However, maximal or exhaustive exercise should not be performed, especially that which emphasizes eccentrically- biased movements, in order to avoid high levels of exercise-induced muscle damage.

Currently, research examining the effects on Whole Body Vibration (WBV) and MD does not exist. WBV is used therapeutically to treat many conditions resulting in improvements in blood flow, balance, and muscular strength. It is essential that an individual with MD speak with their

doctor or physician before beginning a WBV exercise routine. Once cleared by their doctor or physician, WBV should be performed in a progressive manner, beginning at a lower intensity and duration to prevent increased weakness of muscles. Individuals should progress to as they become comfortable with the WBV platform. If any symptoms related to MD are experienced following the use of WBV, it should be discontinued immediately. If spasticity of the muscles is one of the symptoms an individual is experiencing due to MD they should not use WBV as it is contraindicated. In general, if an individual experiences any pain, shortness of breath or dizziness while using the WBV platform it should be discontinued immediately.
 

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