Background/objectives In patients with Becker Muscle Dystrophy, muscle spindles show slight morphological alterations and in mouse models' neuromuscular spindles are preserved but show functional alterations, such as increased discharge at rest and greater response to low-frequency sinusoidal vibrations. In muscular dystrophies, the response to vibratory stimulation suggest that muscle spindles remain functionally active despite extrafusal degeneration, supporting the use of vibration as a co-rehabilitative intervention. The aim of this clinical case was to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze the functional response of a patient with Becker Muscle Dystrophy treated with focal muscle vibration. Methods A 43-years-old man with diagnosis of Becker Muscular Dystrophy was treated with two cycles of focal muscle vibration to the lower limbs and between them he underwent 4 sessions of neurocognitive exercises. Patient was evaluated through gait analysis and specific clinical scales. Results Following the treatment period, the patient showed an overall improvement in the scores of the assessment scales. The gait analysis assessment showed a general improvement in the parameters following both treatment cycles, but the data showed that the second treatment, which was longer than the first one, gave more satisfactory and long-lasting results. Conclusions Proprioception emerges as an essential component of motor control. In muscular dystrophies, the integration of current pharmacological and genetic strategies with rehabilitation strategies aimed at preserving and enhancing proprioceptive function represents a promising prospect for improving the quality of life of patients with neuromuscular diseases.
Innovative therapeutic approach in becker muscular dystrophy. From murine model to focal muscle vibration: a case report assessment through gait analysis
Claudia Celletti
;Manuela Minozzi;
2026-01-01
Abstract
Background/objectives In patients with Becker Muscle Dystrophy, muscle spindles show slight morphological alterations and in mouse models' neuromuscular spindles are preserved but show functional alterations, such as increased discharge at rest and greater response to low-frequency sinusoidal vibrations. In muscular dystrophies, the response to vibratory stimulation suggest that muscle spindles remain functionally active despite extrafusal degeneration, supporting the use of vibration as a co-rehabilitative intervention. The aim of this clinical case was to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze the functional response of a patient with Becker Muscle Dystrophy treated with focal muscle vibration. Methods A 43-years-old man with diagnosis of Becker Muscular Dystrophy was treated with two cycles of focal muscle vibration to the lower limbs and between them he underwent 4 sessions of neurocognitive exercises. Patient was evaluated through gait analysis and specific clinical scales. Results Following the treatment period, the patient showed an overall improvement in the scores of the assessment scales. The gait analysis assessment showed a general improvement in the parameters following both treatment cycles, but the data showed that the second treatment, which was longer than the first one, gave more satisfactory and long-lasting results. Conclusions Proprioception emerges as an essential component of motor control. In muscular dystrophies, the integration of current pharmacological and genetic strategies with rehabilitation strategies aimed at preserving and enhancing proprioceptive function represents a promising prospect for improving the quality of life of patients with neuromuscular diseases.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
