Device may help strengthen breathing muscles in people with myotonic dystrophy
A small early-stage clinical trial has found that a type of breathing training done at home may help people with myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1). DM1 can weaken the muscles used for breathing. This can lead to tiredness, trouble exercising, and a reduction in quality of life.
The study tested a device that helps train the breathing muscles, including the diaphragm and the muscles between the ribs (called intercostal muscles). The training focused on either building strength or endurance.
Twenty-six people with DM1 were randomly split into three groups:
- One group did strength training
- One group did endurance training
- One group didn’t do any training
After 9 months, both training groups showed improvements in how strong their breathing muscles were. This was measured using a test called maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP). People in all groups stuck to the training schedule well, more than 80% of the time. The training was also found to be safe.
These results are promising, but a larger trial is now needed to confirm them. More research is also needed to understand if and how this kind of training could be used as part of standard care and how it could fit into a person’s daily life in a way that’s practical and sustainable.