Regular physical activity is important for people living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) to maintain mobility, prevent contractures, preserve cardiovascular health and boost mood. But exercise doesn’t have to mean physical therapy or the pool: “adaptive sports” is a term used for individual or team sports that are modified for those with physical limitations or disabilities. As well as supporting physical health, adaptive sports bring benefits like team spirit, social engagement and inclusion.
What adaptive sports are available in DMD?
Adaptive sports use specialized equipment or power wheelchairs, opening up more options than many new to adaptive sports might realize. For example, “sit skis” have a seat mounted to the skis, and power soccer uses a footguard attached to a power wheelchair to move the ball.
Here are some options that are often suitable for people living with DMD:
- Powerchair hockey
- Wheelchair basketball
- Cycling
- Adaptive skiing and snowboarding
- Power soccer
- Adaptive sailing and watersports
- Archery or shooting
- Boccia
- Tennis
- Tee ball
- Horseback riding
- Volleyball
- Swimming
Not all sports are suitable to every person, and the choice of sport is best discussed with a physical therapist. Some sport and physical activities can damage the muscles of people with DMD and should be avoided; these include trampolines, rugby and scooters.
Another way to participate in sports is to become a referee or coach or help with team management. Though not as physical, these activities still provide some of the same social and emotional benefits that being a player carries.
Benefits of adaptive sports in Duchenne
The impact on well-being is clear: regular exercise and physical movement carry many benefits for people living with DMD. Sports participation can:
- Promote better quality sleep
- Improve bone density
- Improve muscle flexibility
- Improve range of motion
- Boost mood
- Support heart and lung function
- Help stress management
- Strengthen muscles
- Improve circulation
- Improve stamina
- Reduce the risk of other diseases such as heart disease and type 2 diabetes
- Create team spirit
- Build social interaction
- Promote well-being
Learn more about DMD treatment and care
How to find adaptive sports near you
If you’ve decided to try an adaptive sport and don’t know where to start, talk to your physical therapist. Ask for their advice on the most suitable option for you, based on your physical strength, mobility and overall health. Be aware that you may need to improve your physical fitness first, before signing up.
Sports associations and organizations for people with physical and intellectual disabilities may be available locally. Ask your healthcare team and do some research online to see what options exist in your area. The national organizations American Association of Adapted Sports Programs and Move United may offer a starting point for further research.
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