What should be avoided in muscular dystrophy to prevent muscle damage?

What should be avoided in muscular dystrophy to prevent muscle damage?

• A. Eccentric exercise
• B. Endurance training
• C. Isometric exercise
• D. Plyometrics

Answer: (A)

Eccentric contractions place more mechanical strain on dystrophic muscles than other contraction types. When a muscle lengthens while generating force, each fiber experiences greater stretch and stress, leading to more micro-tears, calcium influx, and activation of degenerative pathways. In muscular dystrophy, where the muscle membrane is already fragile due to the dystrophin deficiency, this extra strain accelerates damage, so eccentric loading should be avoided to prevent further harm. Safer approaches use low-load, controlled movements and minimize lengthening under tension; rapid stretch–shortening activities like plyometrics are also risky and typically avoided.

Eccentric contractions place more mechanical strain on dystrophic muscles than other contraction types. When a muscle lengthens while generating force, each fiber experiences greater stretch and stress, leading to more micro-tears, calcium influx, and activation of degenerative pathways. In muscular dystrophy, where the muscle membrane is already fragile due to the dystrophin deficiency, this extra strain accelerates damage, so eccentric loading should be avoided to prevent further harm. Safer approaches use low-load, controlled movements and minimize lengthening under tension; rapid stretch–shortening activities like plyometrics are also risky and typically avoided.