Which resistance intensity is discouraged in SMA/MD/MG patients?

Which resistance intensity is discouraged in SMA/MD/MG patients?

• A. Heavy resistance at >65% 1RM
• B. Light resistance at <30% 1RM
• C. Moderate intensity at 40-60% 1RM
• D. No resistance training at all

Answer: (A)

In SMA, MD, and MG, muscles are more fragile and susceptible to fatigue and injury, so training intensities that require maximal or near-maximal effort are avoided. Heavy resistance—lifting loads that exceed about 65% of an individual's one-repetition maximum—places a lot of demand on nerves and muscles at once, increasing fatigue, risk of muscle damage, or symptom worsening. This makes high-intensity contractions unsafe for many patients with these conditions. Safer alternatives include light to moderate loads. Light resistance (below 30% of 1RM) reduces strain while still providing a training stimulus, and moderate intensity (roughly 40–60% of 1RM) offers a balance between strength gains and tolerable fatigue when programmed carefully with appropriate rest. Not engaging in any resistance training isn’t generally ideal, since controlled, supervised resistance can improve strength and function over time. So, the discouraged intensity is heavy resistance at more than about 65% of 1RM because it poses too great a risk for these patients.

In SMA, MD, and MG, muscles are more fragile and susceptible to fatigue and injury, so training intensities that require maximal or near-maximal effort are avoided. Heavy resistance—lifting loads that exceed about 65% of an individual's one-repetition maximum—places a lot of demand on nerves and muscles at once, increasing fatigue, risk of muscle damage, or symptom worsening. This makes high-intensity contractions unsafe for many patients with these conditions.

Safer alternatives include light to moderate loads. Light resistance (below 30% of 1RM) reduces strain while still providing a training stimulus, and moderate intensity (roughly 40–60% of 1RM) offers a balance between strength gains and tolerable fatigue when programmed carefully with appropriate rest. Not engaging in any resistance training isn’t generally ideal, since controlled, supervised resistance can improve strength and function over time.

So, the discouraged intensity is heavy resistance at more than about 65% of 1RM because it poses too great a risk for these patients.