Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy Podcast · Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy

DD SIG Bonus Episode: Collaboration with the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation: Exercise for Myotonic Dystrophy with Donovan Lott and Matt Wheeler

October 12, 2025·54 min·2 clips

The episode begins with the 4D team introducing a special recorded webinar and Q&A from July 2025. It is presented as an educational resource and directs listeners to the Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation for more information. The conversation centers on exercise for people with myotonic dystrophy. The main question is how to improve function while staying realistic about the disease. The discussion starts with the evidence base and where the literature is strongest. Most exercise research has focused on people who are minimally to moderately impacted. That matters because the guidance has to be interpreted in light of who was actually studied. The speakers then connect the research to practical clinic use. Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise and resistance exercise are both emphasized. The Myotonic Dystrophy Foundation exercise guidelines are named as a useful reference, and they are described as broadly applicable even though the studies mostly involve people with better balance and more preserved standing and walking ability. The discussion also makes clear that exercise is not only about strengthening and endurance. Balance is treated as a core piece. Flexibility gets the same attention. All four areas are said to deserve attention across the lifespan. The conversation then gets more specific about how balance work can be scaled. Early on, that might mean standing tasks, closing the eyes, standing on one foot, or using foam surfaces. Safety stays central, with something available to hold on to if balance starts to fail. As disease progresses, the work has to change again. The episode keeps returning to the idea that exercise plans should evolve with the patient rather than stay fixed. It also stays grounded in the practical realities of people who can stand, walk, and participate in weight-bearing exercise versus those whose abilities are changing. The result is a measured, service-oriented discussion that treats exercise as part of long-term care planning.

As heard by us

A practical exercise guide for myotonic dystrophy, with clear staging, safety, and clinic-ready advice.

This episode reads like a clinic-facing webinar on exercise for people with myotonic dystrophy. Its strongest section is the practical split between resistance or strengthening work, aerobic exercise, balance, and flexibility.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

You want a practical guide to exercise for myotonic dystrophy.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy Podcast