Therapy aims in muscular dystrophy include?

• A. Maintain ROM, delay contractures, maximize independence
• B. Cure disease
• C. Increase muscle bulk at all costs
• D. Avoid all therapy

Answer: (A)

Maintaining joint flexibility and functional independence is the aim of therapy in muscular dystrophy. As the disease progresses, muscles weaken and joints can stiffen, leading to contractures that limit movement and daily activities. Therapy focuses on preserving range of motion through regular stretching, posture and activity training, and safe strengthening as appropriate, plus occupational strategies to keep independence in daily tasks.

This approach prioritizes function and quality of life rather than curing the disease or simply making muscles bigger. Curing the disease isn’t something current therapies achieve, and trying to increase bulk at all costs doesn’t address the loss of flexibility and functional ability. Avoiding therapy would likely accelerate loss of ROM and independence.