Exercise Training and Supplements for Improving Function in Muscular Dystrophy

Dear Colleagues,

The skeletal muscular system is required for effective movement, strength and whole body glucose disposal. As such, it is vital for health and longevity. Muscular dystrophy is a generic term describing heritable conditions resulting in the progressive weakness and atrophy of muscle. The most severe is Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), which is caused by a lack of dystrophin, encoded by one of the largest genes in the human body. Genetic cures of diseases, such as DMD, are the obvious approach. However the size of the gene has meant that despite more than 20 years of trying, as well as the sheer number of possible mutations, adjuvant therapies are still required.

Exercise has become a mainstream treatment option for many diseases, such as cancer, heart failure and depression. However, since exercise uses the very muscles that are damaged and wasting in muscular dystrophy, there are still question marks as to whether exercise is beneficial in muscular dystrophy. Similarly, a number of supplements have proven to be of benefit to skeletal muscles, either augmenting the effects of exercise training, or directly improving the size and strength of muscles. However, again, due to the complex nature of muscular dystrophy, whether exercise- and supplement-induced adaptations at the skeletal muscle level afford the same benefits in muscular dystrophy is still controversial or remains untested.

The aim of this Special Issue is to highlight the effects of exercise and supplements on muscular dystrophy, with a particular focus on DMD.

Prof. Alan Hayes
Dr. Emma Rybalka
Guest Editors

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