BACKGROUND: Although previous trials investigated the effectiveness of exercise training programs in muscular dystrophy (MD) patients, we faced a lack of evidence on biofeedback. This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of a 6-week supervised strengthening exercise training program with electromyography-biofeedback (EMG-BFB) on muscle strength, motor function, and balance of MD patients. METHODS: Forty MD patients were assigned randomly to EMG-BFB group (n = 20) and supervised strengthening exercise program as the control group (CG). Training strengthening program consisted of 12 sessions twice weekly for 30 minutes for 6 weeks. Patients in EMG-BFB group did exercises using biofeedback. Patients in CG also performed conventional exercises under the supervision of therapist for 6 weeks. The primary outcome was change in muscle strength. Other secondary outcomes were Fatigue Severity Test, Vignos Scale, Timed Up Go Test, Stair Climb Test, Stand Up from Supine Position Test, Berg Balance Scale, and quality of life. All outcomes measured pre- and post-intervention and 3 months after program. RESULTS: The compliance rate was 60% in this study. Significant improvements with training were observed in the hip muscles strength and Berg balance scale (BBS), motor function measure-32, and fatigue scale by week 6 and further to week 12 in both groups. Only the BBS improvement showed significant change in the intervention group in comparison to the control group (p = 0.040), which was not correlated with muscle strengths (p = 0.420). CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated benefits of a supervised strengthening exercise program in MD patients. These benefits seem to be occurred without any adverse effects to cause patients to drop out of the study. According to some balance improvements, EMG-biofeedback might be helpful in rehabilitation programs of MD patients.

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