Researchers are seeking participants for a trial designed to assess the safety and feasibility of a home-based exercise program in boys with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).

Prior studies in milder forms of muscular dystrophy and in rodent models suggest that resistance exercise may have beneficial effects for maintenance of muscle mass in DMD, but data on the safety and potential benefits of exercise in people who have DMD is lacking.

The new study, called “Development of a Strength Training Protocol in Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy,” will last one to two weeks and will help researchers determine whether a mild- to moderate-intensity strengthening exercise program can be safely implemented in boys with DMD.

All testing sessions and exams will be performed at the trial site at the University of Florida-Gainesville. Three to six clinic visits over the one- to two-week testing period will include strength and exercise testing, along with imaging tests and a blood draw.

In order to participate boys ages 7 to 9 years old must be able to walk independently for at least the length of a football field (100 meters) and climb four stairs, must currently be receiving a form of corticosteroid treatment (prednisone or deflazacort), and must meet other criteria.

Travel and hotel accommodations will be provided for those who must travel to the test site for clinic visits.

To learn more or to inquire about participation, contact Donovan Lott at djlottpt@phhp.ufl.edu or 352-273-9226. You can also find more information about the study by going to ClinicalTrials.gov and entering NCT02421523 into the search box.