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Authors & Affiliations
Akhila Soman, Umesh Chikkanna, Hemant Bhargav, Kishore Kumar Ramakrishna, Nalini Atchayaram
Abstract
Muscular dystrophies (MD) are a genetically and clinically heterogeneous group of neuromuscular diseases that cause progressive weakness and skeletal muscle breakdown. Although the current standard of care includes corticosteroids and physical therapy, integrative and traditional medicine has been increasingly sought. The single-arm pre-post study aimed to assess the feasibility and potential benefits of an integrated ayurveda and yoga treatment (IAYT) protocol in patients with muscular dystrophy. Twenty-two patients who were on conventional treatments were recruited. 2 were diagnosed with Becker’s muscular dystrophy, 4 with limb-girdle muscular dystrophy and 16 with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. Mean age of the population was 13.40 + 9.34 years. The IAYT included ayurveda panchakarma procedures and yogasana and pranayama in an in-patient setting for 21 days. Assessments were done at baseline, post 21 days and after 6 months. North Star Ambulatory Assessment (NSAA) and functional ambulation profile (FAP) were assessed using GAITRite (device used for spatiotemporal gait parameters' measurement). Paired sample t-test was applied. NSAA scores showed significant improvement in functionality (p < 0.05) at 21 days, which sustained till follow-up. FAP scores showed slight improvement in stride length and walking velocity but was not statistically significant. The protocol was observed to be safe and feasible, and no deterioration was reported. The study suggests that this protocol can aid in improving gait disturbances and activities of daily living of MD patients. However, a randomized controlled design with larger sample sizes and longer follow-ups are warranted to comment on the sustained effects of IAYT in MDs.