Role of Applied Physiology in Management of Muscular Dystrophy by Yoga and Meditation

Abstract

Muscular dystrophies are a group of neuromuscular disorders of genetic origin, Duchene muscular dystrophy being one of the severe forms with no predilection for any ethnicity. The progressive weakness and muscle degeneration culminate in cardiac, respiratory and orthopaedic complications, often accompanied with emotional and psychological involvement. Scope of the introduction of yoga exists at all stages of the disease as an adjunct therapy in prevention of complications, arrest/slowing of progression of the pathophysiology, improvement in the quality of life with better psychosocial adjustment. The science of yoga was developed in ancient India from Eastern Sankhya philosophy in an attempt at establishment of mind–body alignment towards an ideal, intact human physiology. Yoga involves implementation of lifestyle measures aimed at physical, and cognitive development, management of emotions and spiritual conflicts and practicing non-attachment to material and worldly pursuits. Beneficial effects were noted in psychosomatic diseases of non-communicable nature. Practice of yoga in the form of asana (postures), pranayama (breath work), sensory withdrawal (pratyahara), introspection (swadhaya), cultivation of social and individual restraints and practices (yama and niyama) and focused relaxation (dharana and dhyana) has exhibited beneficial physiological change regarding, immunological profile, cardiopulmonary exercise tolerance, posture and equilibrium, sensory acumen, neuromuscular coordination, muscle strength and cognition.