Myotonic Dystrophy In Motion Awareness Month 2024
Week 1: Come as You Are!
Stump the Doctor & Community Panel
Have questions about exercise and myotonic dystrophy? Wondering about strength training or how often you should exercise? Join our panel of experts featuring Donovan Lott, Pt, PhD, CSCS, University of Florida, alongside three MDF community members, Ryan Vogels, MDF Support Group Facilitator living with DM2, Margie Singleton, living with DM1, and Luke Bolt, living with DM1. Get ready to ask your burning questions and engage in insightful discussions about exercise and mobility with our knowledgeable panel.
Click here to learn more about the 2024 Myotonic Dystrophy In Motion Awareness Month!
Our Panelists
Donovan Lott, PT, PhD, CSCS
Dr. Donovan J. Lott completed his undergraduate degree in Exercise Science at Brigham Young University and his MSPT degree at Washington University School of Medicine. After working in both outpatient and home-health settings as a physical therapist, he returned to Washington University to obtain a PhD in Movement Science with an emphasis in soft tissue mechanics. Dr. Lott came to the University of Florida as a post-doctoral fellow to work with Krista Vandenborne, PhD, PT, in the Muscle Physiology Laboratory. Currently, he is a Research Associate Professor within the Department of Physical Therapy, and his primary teaching responsibilities are in the Basic Skills II and Prosthetics & Orthotics courses for the entry-level DPT students. His research interests include investigating skeletal muscle damage, exercise, and the relationship between muscle pathology and functional mobility in people with neuromuscular disease.
Margie Singleton
Margie Singleton is an DM community member, who has been involved with MDF since 2018, 8 years after her DM1 diagnosis. She attended her first MDF Annual Conference in September 2023, and followed that up with the Houston Regional Conference in 2024. During her career, Margie worked at a variety of non-profits and international NGOs, most notably serving the LGBTQ community and those living with HIV/AIDS. Margie loves walking and spending time in nature, and is incredibly grateful for her new walker that has wider wheels, which make it easier to navigate cracked and bumpy sidewalks in the neighborhood. She also enjoys chair yoga and water fitness. In addition to these movement based activities, Margie loves playing games and doing jigsaw puzzles, and chair dancing to live music!
Ryan Vogels
Ryan enjoys boating, camping, rockhounding, and other activities he can do with his family. He says that is family is what is most important to him. He has worked in the Mortgage business since 2006, and was a volunteer firefighter for 10 years as a way of serving his community. After being diagnosed, Ryan realized it might not be the safest way to help, so he stepped away from firefighting. His drive to help the community led him to becoming a Support Group Facilitator! Ryan says he likes to push back on DM as much as it pushes him. He is a support group facilitator for the Affected Men’s Support Group and the Chicagoland DM Support Group.
Luke Bolt
Luke Bolt is one of the founders of the Myotonic Dystrophy In Motion program, and a member of the Movement Committee. He was first introduced to MDF around the time of his diagnosis in 2013, but became much more involved in 2021 when the MDIM initiative began. Luke is currently a grad student in Nutrition and Exercise Physiology at Washington State University. In his free time, he enjoys running, biking, lifting weights and occasionally stand-up paddleboarding or swimming. Outside of school and movement based activities, Luke enjoys reading, spending time with his family, and cooking good food!
Myotonic Dystrophy In Motion Awareness Month
Movement makes connections, and we’re excited to bring the myotonic dystrophy (DM) community together through weekly themes, action items, and resources. The cornerstone of this awareness month will be webinars and virtual classes that follow weekly themes and invite the community to get active at their own comfort level. In addition to these activities, we will be connecting interested participants in a buddy system that allows folks to share their movement practices while making new friends.
Click here to learn more about the 2024 Myotonic Dystrophy In Motion Awareness Month!
Participation Disclaimer
Before participating in any MDIM Awareness Month programming, it is important to consult with your physician or other qualified healthcare professional to ensure that exercise is safe and appropriate for your individual needs. The information provided in this exercise program is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice or a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.
By participating in this exercise program, you acknowledge that there are inherent risks involved in any physical activity, and you voluntarily assume full responsibility for any and all risks. You agree to release, discharge, and hold harmless Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation and any contractors from any and all claims, liabilities, or damages arising out of your participation in the program.
If at any time during the exercise program you feel discomfort, pain, dizziness, or any other unusual symptoms, you should stop immediately and consult with a medical professional.