Exercise management For people with Meardle disease: A pilot case study

Abstract or Summary

Kaur, P; Longhurst, G Waikato Institute of Technology Background: This is a case study of a 61 year old male who has been diagnosed l,vith McArdle disease 5 years ago. The cardinal signs and symptoms are inclusive of activity intolerance, early fatigue and second wind phenomenon. Purpose: The Purpose of this study is to implement an intervention strategy for clients with McArdle*s disease. Methods: A six weeks protocol included an initial baseline functional assessment for the client prior to exercise session. The exercise session was inclusive of a 7-10 minutes of warm up; 20-30 minutes of cardiovascular and resistance training followed by a 10 minutes of cool dm,vn phase. There were two supervised sessions per week. After 10 sessions of exercise protocol functional assessment was repeated and results noted, The client was allowed proper rest periods during the exercise session. Results: Post intervention the functional assessment was repeated. There was significant improvement in agility, muscular strength muscular endurance, balance, flexibility of upper body and aerobic capacity of the client. Client also reduced weight and waist girth. Overall improvement resulted in gaining confidence for the client, Discussion: The exercise induced response is due to the main energy substrate that has no dependence on muscle glycogen deposits. Conclusion: We put forward an exercise regime to Increase physical activity and quality of life in people suffering from this condition. Low muscle mass and strength levels lead to comprised cardiometabolic phenotype. Hence, exercise-induced hypertrophy is an attainable goal in McArdIe's patients.