281st ENMC international workshop: 2nd ENMC workshop on exercise training in muscle diseases; towards consensus-based recommendations on exercise prescription and outcome measures. Hoofddorp, The Netherlands, 4-6 October 2024

Abstract

The 281st ENMC workshop on exercise in muscle diseases was held on October 4-6, 2024. The workshop study group included people with lived experience, healthcare professionals and researchers from different disciplines. To facilitate improved application of exercise in daily practice, this workshop aimed to reach a consensus on recommendations for exercise prescription and outcome measures. There were sessions on 1) scientific evidence on exercise prescription and current practice (based on international online surveys of people with muscle diseases and healthcare professionals), 2) outcome measures, and 3) long-term continuation of exercise. Based on the scientific evidence, survey results and group discussions during the workshop sessions, a strong consensus (all attendees agreed) was reached that personalized exercise is safe and beneficial for people with muscle diseases and is recommended. Recommendations were formulated for the frequency, intensity, time, and type of aerobic and resistance exercise, as well as potential outcome measures for future studies.

Keywords: Exercise; Healthy lifestyle; Muscular diseases; Neuromuscular diseases; Outcome measures; Physical activity.