Resistance Exercise Training in McArdle Disease: Myth or Reality?

Abstract

McArdle disease is a metabolic myopathy mainly characterised by symptom onset during physical activities or isometric muscle contraction. Resistance (also termed strength) training is a type of physical exercise focusing on the use of resistance (e.g., lifting weights) to induce muscular contraction, which builds muscle mass and strength. Historically people with McArdle disease were advised to avoid resistance exercises and any other form of physical activity involving high mechanical loads such as prolonged isometric contraction. Paradoxically, a clinical trial exploring the benefits of strength training in this patient population was published. The theory supporting strength training relied on the use of the ATP molecule and the creatine phosphate (ATP-phosphocreatine system) as energy sources for skeletal muscles. Here, we report two patients with McArdle disease who performed weight training at local gyms. A single set of repetitions lasted for maximum 10 seconds with minimum of 30 seconds of rest period in between sets of exercises. Benefits of this type of training included improvement in quality of life and amelioration of McArdle disease symptoms. We provide further safety evidence of this type of exercise in people with McArdle disease. We emphasise the importance of using a specific protocol developed for people affected by this condition.

Figure 1

Schematic representation of the main energy sources for skeletal muscles during exercise. Red crosses represent the affected glycolytic system (glycogen) in McArdle patients.

Figure 2

Training progress in patient 2. (a) Muscle strength progress; (b) muscle endurance progress using a stationary bicycle (measured in watts).