Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Hydrotherapy in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)

This study explores if hydrotherapy (exercising in warm water) can benefit young males aged 6 to 25 living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). DMD often makes daily life challenging due to pain, body changes, and difficulty with physical activity. Currently, there's not much clear guidance on hydrotherapy for DMD, but it might be a helpful way to get active. Researchers want to see if regular hydrotherapy sessions improve physical abilities, reduce pain, and boost overall quality of life for those with DMD, whether they can walk or not. The study also includes talking to participants and their parents to understand their experiences and any challenges they face with hydrotherapy. This will help make sure future research truly addresses what matters most to families.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust

Enrolment target

Start

02 Nov 2022

Estimated completion

12 Dec 2025

Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

What is this study about?

Living with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) can be tough for young men, often causing daily pain and making physical activity difficult. Right now, there isn't much clear guidance or proof about whether warm-water exercise, called hydrotherapy, can help. This study aims to change that. We want to find out if taking part in hydrotherapy can make a real difference in the lives of young people with DMD by helping them with pain, physical movement, and their overall well-being.

We believe hydrotherapy could be a gentle way for boys and young men with DMD to be more active, regardless of whether they can walk or not. The study will look closely at how hydrotherapy affects things like physical abilities, how much pain someone feels, and their general quality of life. These are all very important factors for people living with DMD.

After the hydrotherapy sessions, we'll also talk to some of the participants and their parents. These conversations are crucial because they'll help us understand any difficulties people face with hydrotherapy and how it might improve their lives in ways that standard medical tests might not show.

Key takeaways

This study is looking at warm water exercise (hydrotherapy) for young men with Duchenne muscular dystrophy.
It aims to see if hydrotherapy can improve physical abilities, pain, and overall well-being.
Participants will have 12 weeks of observation followed by 12 weeks of weekly hydrotherapy sessions.
The study includes talking to participants and parents to understand their experiences.
It's open to males aged 6-25 with a stable DMD diagnosis and stable steroid use (if applicable).
You can withdraw from the study at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, young males must have a confirmed diagnosis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, either through genetic testing or a muscle biopsy. They also need to be within the age range of 6 to 25 years old. Finally, their steroid medication dosage, if they are taking steroids, must have been steady for at least three months, or they should not be taking steroids at all.

There are a few reasons why someone might not be able to join. If a young man is younger than 6 or older than 25, he wouldn't be eligible. Also, if he has recently (in the last three months) had a change in his steroid dose, he wouldn't be able to participate right away.

Lastly, if a young man is already regularly attending formal hydrotherapy sessions led by a physiotherapist (for example, weekly or more often), he wouldn't be able to join this study, as we want to understand the effects of starting hydrotherapy.

Quick self-check

Are you male?
Do you have a confirmed diagnosis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy?
Are you between 6 and 25 years old?
If you take steroids, has your dose been stable for at least 3 months, or do you not take steroids?
Are you NOT currently having regular, supervised hydrotherapy?

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, the study will involve two main stages, each lasting 12 weeks. In the first 12 weeks, you won't start hydrotherapy yet. During this time, the researchers will observe your usual daily physical activity and monitor what you eat. This helps them understand your routine before the main part of the study begins.

After this, you'll move into the second 12-week stage. In this stage, you will attend a hydrotherapy pool session once a week. These sessions will be led by a physiotherapist and will involve various physical activities in the water. After completing the 12 weeks of hydrotherapy, some participants and their parents will be asked to have interviews to share their experiences.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study could offer some potential benefits, such as improved physical function, reduced pain, and a better quality of life through guided hydrotherapy. There are no known major risks associated with hydrotherapy, but as with any physical activity, there's a small chance of minor muscle soreness. Your safety and comfort are important, and you are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Preston, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD)?

DMD is a rare genetic condition that causes muscles to become weak over time.

What is hydrotherapy?

Hydrotherapy is a type of exercise done in warm water, often guided by a therapist.

How long does the study last?

Each participant will be in the study for a total of 24 weeks (roughly 6 months).

Will I have to pay for anything?

No, all study-related activities and hydrotherapy sessions are provided at no cost to you.

What if I can't walk?

The study is for young men with DMD whether they can walk or not, making it an inclusive activity.