Originally presented on February 19th, 2021.
Do you have questions for DM doctors and therapists? Join Tina Duong, PT, PhD of Stanford University and Katy Eichinger, PT, PhD, DPT, NCS of the University of Rochester for a “Ask-the-Expert” session on exercise. After the success of the Stump-the-Doctor session at the 2020 Virtual MDF Conference, MDF has created a series using the same format to connect families and DM experts.
About the Presenters:
Dr. Duong is a research physical therapist at Stanford with over 10 years of clinical experience in neuromuscular and pediatric research. She is instrumental in optimizing clinical endpoints for study design and assessments through the CINRG network and research in exercise regiments in mouse models of muscular dystrophy. She continues to work on outcomes development with neuromuscular diseases and pursues her work on the benefits of rehabilitation and exercise as conjunctive therapies. Click here to learn more about Dr. Duong.
Dr. Eichinger is a physical therapist and assistant professor at the University of Rochester, where she is involved in the clinical care of individuals with adult and pediatric neuromuscular conditions. She is involved in natural history studies and clinical trials involving patients with myotonic dystrophy and other neuromuscular diseases. Click here to learn more about Dr. Eichinger.
Resources:
Learn more about exercise recommendations with the Exercise Guide for Individuals with Myotonic Dystrophy. This guide, co-authored by Dr. Duong and Dr. Eichinger, includes information on the benefits of exercise for DM, recommendations on aerobic activity, types of exercise, monitoring exercise, exercise strategies and finding motivation.
Find information on physical therapy and DM with the Role of Physical Therapy in the Assessment and Management of Individuals with Myotonic Dystrophy. Most individuals living with DM will probably first encounter a physical therapist in the multidisciplinary clinic where they receive care. These guidelines, also co-authored by Dr. Duong and Dr. Eichinger, address the role that the physical therapist plays in DM care, including evaluation, education, instructions and physical movement recommendations.
Click here to find all our upcoming “Ask-the-Expert” question sessions!