Resistance training in women with myotonic dystrophy type 1: a multisystemic therapeutic avenue

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Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) is a hereditary disease characterized by muscular impairments. Fundamental and clinical positive effects of strength training have been reported in men with DM1, but its impact on women remains unknown. We evaluated the effects of a 12-week supervised strength training on physical and neuropsychiatric health. Women with DM1 performed a twice-weekly supervised resistance training program (3 series of 6–8 repetitions of squat, leg press, plantar flexion, knee extension, and hip abduction). Lower limb muscle strength, physical function, apathy, anxiety and depression, fatigue and excessive somnolence, pain, and patient-reported outcomes were assessed before and after the intervention, as well as three and six months after completion of the training program. Muscle biopsies of the vastus lateralis were also taken before and after the training program to assess muscle fiber growth. Eleven participants completed the program (attendance: 98.5 %). Maximal hip and knee extension strength (p < 0.006), all One-Repetition Maximum strength measures (p < 0.001), apathy (p = 0.0005), depression (p = 0.02), pain interference (p = 0.01) and perception of the lower limb function (p = 0.003) were significantly improved by training. Some of these gains were maintained up to six months after the training program. Strength training is a good therapeutic strategy for women with DM1.