Exercise and physical activity for persons with Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease

Abstract

Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT) is a hereditary neuromuscular disease primarily affecting the nerves in the feet. Physical activity is reduced in persons with CMT due to several symptoms that impair gait and balance. This paper, which is based on the authors’ experience from the clinical field and an unsystematic selection from the literature, presents how CMT symptoms affect physical activity, the effects of exercise and physical activity, and recommendations for physiotherapists working with CMT patients. The research evidence in physical activity for people with CMT is sparse. However, low to moderate aerobic exercise and strength training are safe and can be recommended. Individualization is important to meet each patients’ specific needs, and should be managed together with a physiotherapist. Enjoyable and social activities in the outdoors can also be excellent arenas for physical activity, and there are several available activity aids, arrangements and organizations that can contribute to an active lifestyle for people with CMT.

Keywords

• charcot-marie-tooth disease
• neuromuscular diseases
• rare diseases
• physical activity
• exercise
• physiotherapy
• individualization