Page 17 - A Guide to Physical and Occupational Therapy for CMT
P. 17
STRATEGIES TO DISCUSS WITH YOUR PHYSICAL THERAPIST
Below is a summary of the exercise training program discussed for implementation
in clinical practice. The exercise cuff used in the study was purposely built based
on commonly available adjustable ankle weights that attached to the foot, rather
than the ankle, with a heel strap to prevent slippage.
DOSE Both legs are exercised, one at a time, 3 days/week on non-consecutive days
WARM UP/ 5-minute active warm up before training & a 5-miniute cool down after training
COOL DOWN (consisting of slow walking)
INTENSITY Initially 50% of 1Repetition Max— the weight a person can lift with maximum effort in a single
repetition—for 2 weeks progressing to 70% of the 1Repetition Max
TIME 25 minutes per session (and rest for an additional 30 minutes after the session)
EQUIPMENT An adjustable weighted exercise cuff is required to perform these exercises
REPETITIONS 8 repetitions in each set (each rep involves plantarflexion to dorsiflexion slowly through full
range of motion, (concentric contraction), then returning to a plantarflexed position over a
4 second period (eccentric contraction)
SETS Initially 2 sets for 2 weeks progressing to 3 sets for one foot before moving to the other foot
PATTERN Rest intervals of 3 minutes between each set of repetitions
PROGRESSION A graduated progression of greater resistance based on 1Repetition Max assessed every two weeks
under supervision
SUPERVISION Exercise with a physiotherapist, exercise physiologist, podiatrist or athletic trainer to monitor
progression and safety
GUIDANCE Exercise training program video on Lancet TV (see link below)
Please find additional details at:
www.cmtausa.org/resistance-exercise-children
Video guide of the exercise training program which appears on Lancet TV:
www.cmtausa.org/exercise-training-program
Stories in the media about the trial:
www.cmtausa.org/effective-treatment-children
Goals of Oc
will provide your OT with insight into your specific activities of daily living (ADL)
