Previous studies demonstrated the benefits of motor exercise and physical activity in neuromuscular disorders.

The purpose of a new study published in Neurological Sciences was to assess the impact of sport activity on self-esteem and emotional regulation in athletes with neuromuscular disorders.

In this study, 38 patients with Duchenne, Becker or other types of muscular dystrophy or spinal muscular atrophy, aged 13-49 years who practiced a sport were recruited, along with 39 age-, gender-, disability- and disease-matched patients who did not practice any sport. All participants were tested for self-esteem, anxiety and depression disorder, personality trait and quality of life (QoL).

The results revealed that patients practicing a sport had a significantly higher self-esteem, lower level of depression, greater social identity and adherence and QoL.

From the results, it was concluded that the frequency of sport activity may represent a complementary therapy in neuromuscular disorders to improve the mental and social well-being of these patients.

Source: Neurological Sciences. 2020 Apr 4. doi: 10.1007/s10072-020-04345-1.