Paloma Gonzalez Perez, MD, PhD is leading an exciting Pilot Grant-funded study titled "Investigating Benefits of a Physical Therapist-Guided Exercise Program in Myotonic Dystrophy Type 2 (DM2)". This innovative project tests the effectiveness of the PRIME (Proximal Resistance In-House Movement Exercises) program, a patient-friendly regimen designed to strengthen the core and proximal limb muscles often affected in DM2. The program requires only a mat and an elastic band, with sessions lasting just 30 minutes twice a week.

The study will involve 24 DM2 patients over a six-month crossover trial. Patients will be divided into three groups: two groups (A and B) will receive physical therapist (PT)-guided sessions either in-person or virtually, while the third group (C) will follow the exercises independently after an initial visit. In the second phase, those who had PT guidance will transition to a self-directed program, while the independent group will shift to virtual PT-guided sessions. The team will assess motor function, fatigue, pain, exercise adherence, and muscle composition using electrical impedance myography, a non-invasive tool that measures muscle health by placing sensors on the skin.

The hypothesis is that this PT-guided program will improve both motor function and muscle composition in DM2 patients. If successful, this pilot will pave the way for making PRIME more accessible to DM2 patients via virtual or on-demand PT supervision, with the long-term goal of incorporating it into clinical practice for ongoing physical therapy care.

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