Physical Therapy Management of Adult Male with Becker’s Muscular Dystrophy: A Case Report

Background: Becker’s Muscular Dystrophy shares many similarities with Duchene Muscular Dystrophy leading to orthopedic, cardiovascular and cognitive issues secondary to proximal musculature degeneration. However, the increased lifespan of patients with BMD creates a question of these patient’s need for physical therapy. Case Description: The patient is a 44-year-old Caucasian male that was diagnosed with BMD at age 10. Over his lifespan he has experienced developmental delay physically and cognitively, orthopedic injuries and mental illness. The patient has maintained his status as a community ambulator over short distances without an assistive device and uses an electric chair for longer distances or challenging surfaces. Intervention: Physical Therapy interventions for this patient included moderate intensity resistance training for shoulder and hip musculature to improve or maintain strength of proximal musculature. Alongside strengthening the patient regularly walked in therapy to build his cardiorespiratory endurance and confidence. Outcome Measures: Outcome measures included assessing lower extremity functional impairments with LEFS, gauging functional mobility with North Star Ambulatory Assessment and timed up and go, monitoring patient’s cardiorespiratory and muscle endurance with 6-minute walk test and tracking patient complaints. Discussion: This report discusses current evidence for interventions and outcome measures in patients with BMD and compares this evidence to intervention and outcome measures utilized for this patient. Potential benefit of long-term care and clinical recommendations are also discussed.