While the scientific community keeps working to develop pharmacological treatments, it is important that we focus on improving quality of life and adopting habits that are beneficial for our health.
Physical activity is one of those habits that can positively impact HD patients.
Physical activity is an important component of a healthy lifestyle. There are good reasons to believe exercise might be helpful in HD. A series published back in 2010 by the Huntington Society of Canada mentions some of these reasons:
Then, a review published in 2017 that evaluated 20 studies conducted over the previous 15 years, agreed with this idea. The conclusions suggested that there is ¨preliminary support for the benefits of exercise and physical activity in Huntington’s disease in terms of motor function, gait speed, and balance, as well as a range of physical and social benefits identified through patient-reported outcomes.¨
This review considered two studies where patients reported they perceived the physical benefits in gait and balance, and the social benefits with improved self-confidence and independence, as well as socialization and improved family and social relationships. Therefore, physical activity should be part of a healthy routine, and it is also a tool used by therapists to maintain as many functional abilities for as long as possible.
Before beginning any exercise routine, either at home or under the guidance of a team, it’s important to be evaluated by a physical therapist (PT) who is familiar with HD. PT’s will assist with designing, implementing, progressing, and adapting activity programs to optimize health, function, and safety. They are the professionals who will test if the patient is at risk of falls, identify which activities the patient might enjoy the most, and also recommend the best type of exercise to do for their specific needs.
They also play an important role in keeping mental functions sharp by incorporating tasks that will reinforce how to face functional difficulties in a positive way. In addition to being beneficial for the patient, PTs can also teach caregivers tips and techniques to safely engage in patient handling, recommend environmental modifications to improve functional mobility, and suggest adaptive equipment to help you and your loved ones to maintain safety and mobility in day to day activities.
A review published in 2020 that evaluated 26 studies concluded that “there is strong evidence to support physical therapy interventions to improve fitness, motor function, and gait in persons with HD.” The experts that carried out this review, recommend the following physical therapy interventions for people with HD:
It is important to note that each activity program and routine should be designed and adapted to the patients needs.
Since physical activity and physiotherapy have been in the spotlight as part of a healthy HD routine for quite some time now, there are resources available that can help you get started. Recently, the Physiotherapy Working Group from the EHDN published three different fact sheets, each with two versions, one designed for healthcare professionals and the other one for people with HD and their family and caregivers. You can access the fact sheets in the links below:
For people with HD, family and caregivers:
For healthcare professionals:
These fact sheets were developed with tips and recommendations that will help you or your loved one get started and become more active. They provide useful information, such as frequency and duration of workouts and types of activities. They also have other resources that will help you get moving and incorporate this healthy habit!
– Article written by Jarelys López
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