Abstract
BackgroundCharcot–Marie–Tooth (CMT) disease is a hereditary neuropathy associated with impaired walking capacity. Some patients are too weak in the lower extremity muscles to walk at gravity with sufficient intensity or duration to gain benefit.AimThe aim was to investigate the effect of aerobic anti‐gravity exercise in weak patients with CMT 1A and X.MethodsFive adult patients performed moderate‐intensity aerobic anti‐gravity exercise 3/week for 10 weeks.ResultsThere was a significant positive difference in Berg balance scale and postural stability test between test occasions, and walking distance in the 6‐min walk test trended to increase.ConclusionsThe study indicates that the anti‐gravity treadmill training of patients with CMT should be pursued in larger CMT cohorts.
Highlights
Charcot–Marie–Tooth (CMT) disease is a hereditary neuropathy associated with impaired walking capacity
Effect of walk training has been investigated in CMT (Maggi et al, 2011; Wright et al, 1996), but some patients are too severely affected to walk with gravity at sufficient intensity or duration to obtain benefit
This is possible on an anti-gravity treadmill, which off lifts load on the lower extremities
Summary
Charcot–Marie–Tooth (CMT) disease is a hereditary neuropathy associated with impaired walking capacity. Some patients are too weak in the lower extremity muscles to walk at gravity with sufficient intensity or duration to gain benefit. Aim: The aim was to investigate the effect of aerobic anti-gravity exercise in weak patients with CMT 1A and X. Methods: Five adult patients performed moderate-intensity aerobic anti-gravity exercise 3/week for 10 weeks. Results: There was a significant positive difference in Berg balance scale and postural stability test between test occasions, and walking distance in the 6-min walk test trended to increase. Conclusions: The study indicates that the anti-gravity treadmill training of patients with CMT should be pursued in larger CMT cohorts
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