In muscular dystrophy, which type of exercise should be avoided to prevent muscle damage?

In muscular dystrophy, which type of exercise should be avoided to prevent muscle damage?

• A. Eccentric exercise
• B. Low-load resistance training
• C. Isometric holds
• D. Aerobic conditioning

Answer: (A)

In muscular dystrophy, muscles are fragile and repair processes are limited. Eccentric contractions—when a muscle lengthens while producing force—create the highest mechanical stress on muscle fibers. That extra stress tends to cause more micro-damage and inflammation in dystrophic muscle, and it can outpace the tissue’s ability to recover. Because of this, eccentric loading accelerates damage rather than strengthening the muscle, making it the type of exercise to avoid. Safer options include low-load resistance work and isometric holds, which preserve strength with less structural disruption, and aerobic conditioning that’s tailored and progressed cautiously. So avoiding eccentric exercise helps protect muscles from further damage in muscular dystrophy.

In muscular dystrophy, muscles are fragile and repair processes are limited. Eccentric contractions—when a muscle lengthens while producing force—create the highest mechanical stress on muscle fibers. That extra stress tends to cause more micro-damage and inflammation in dystrophic muscle, and it can outpace the tissue’s ability to recover. Because of this, eccentric loading accelerates damage rather than strengthening the muscle, making it the type of exercise to avoid.

Safer options include low-load resistance work and isometric holds, which preserve strength with less structural disruption, and aerobic conditioning that’s tailored and progressed cautiously. So avoiding eccentric exercise helps protect muscles from further damage in muscular dystrophy.