According to a story from Charcot-Marie-Tooth News, CMT UK, a United Kingdom-based nonprofit focused on Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, has released a series of seven exercise videos tailored to patients as part of CMT Awareness Month, which was recognized in October. These videos are specifically designed for patients to utilize in the comfort of their homes. These videos feature physiotherapist Rebekah Knight, who was diagnosed with the type 1A variant of the illness in 2011.
About Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (CMT)
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is a hereditary disorder of the peripheral nervous system. It is most characterized by a progressive loss of touch sensation and muscle tissue in several different parts of the body. The cause of this disease is usually linked to a genetic mutation, but the mutation involved varies depending on the variant of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease. There are multiple types of Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, with all types aside from type 2 having a demyelination effect. Type 2 causes damage to the neuronal axon instead. Symptoms include foot drop, muscle wasting (typically in the arms, legs, and hands), painful muscle spasms, loss of sensation in the limbs, scoliosis, trouble speaking, chewing, and swallowing, and tremors. Treatment typically includes therapy and surgery in order to maintain function. There is no cure. The disease can occur early in life or as late as the 30s and 40s. To learn more about Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, click here.
Helping Out Patients
While the disease can affect a patient’s physical capabilities, exercise and physical therapy can be crucial to help slow the progression of the illness and prevent the loss of muscle mass. Unfortunately, the ongoing coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic often prevents patients from getting to their physical therapy sessions. The release of these videos is meant to help these patients continue exercising their bodies.
The video series provides a diverse array of exercises that target both the upper and lower body; some videos also focus on stretching and light cardio. The presentations also include modified versions of the exercise that are suited to different strength levels.
Visit CMT UK’s Facebook page here to find links to all of the videos in the series.
Visit the CMT UK website to learn more about their activities.
