Effects of a High-Intensity-Interval-Training (HIIT) in Charcot-Marie-Tooth – A Single Case Study

Abstract

Background: Up to now, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is not curable. Only symptoms are used to be treated with conventional therapy like physical exercise. Many studies have been conducted to investigate diverse training therapy concepts, but there is no study available that investigates the effect of a High Intensity Interval Training. This is the aim of this study. Materials and Methods: A 40 year-old female Charcot-Marie-Tooth patient underwent a high intensity interval training intervention (HIIT) over 12 weeks, 1 x/week 30 minutes, each set lasting 45 seconds with a rest between sets of 15 seconds. Investigated were depression (BDI-II), fatigue (FAS), and motor fitness before and after the intervention. Results: Improvements in raw values in ball grasping, figure-eight circles and walking backwards (coordination), stand & reach and shouldering out (flexibility), sit ups and push ups (strength). The rest of the variables shows no difference in the posttest compared to the pretest. Conclusions: HIIT seems to be effective to strengthen trunk muscles, to improve flexibility and coordination abilities. The tasks standing longjump and 2 km walking were not improved, which could be associated with the foot lifter muscle weakness, so the strengthening of these muscles should be included into physical exercise training. For this purpose, Whole Body Vibration could be recommended.