INTRODUCTION: Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) is associated with a mutation in the gene encoding dystrophin, present on the X chromosome. Clinical manifestations are associated with muscle degeneration, leading to muscle weakness, mobility problems and respiratory failure. Rapid and accurate diagnosis is important to minimize symptoms and improve survival, especially in childhood. Among the indicated therapies are corticosteroid drugs, gene therapy and physiotherapy. OBJECTIVE: To provide a comprehensive overview of the therapeutic methods most used to treat the symptoms of its carriers. METHODS: Integrative review in PubMed, SciELO and Google Scholar databases using as descriptors Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Muscular Dystrophies, Therapeutic, in Portuguese and English, with publication between 1998 and 2020. RESULTS: Physical activity, in general, was the most cited therapeutic intervention, together with corticosteroid treatment, the latter with benefits in the neurological development of patients, along with promising gene therapies that enable a more assertive treatment. It is important to highlight the importance of introducing other individualized treatments, such as non-invasive mechanical ventilation, which has proven beneficial for patients with DMD with respiratory failure. This therapeutic combination associated with early diagnosis enables better disease progression and symptom management, although there is no cure. These, however, are hopeful options for the future, but still need studies and popularization in the present. CONCLUSION: Moderate physical activity is the most recommended treatment, although there is disagreement among professionals. In addition to improving mobility, exercise is essential to minimize the effects of respiratory failure and cardiac degeneration- symptoms of DMD that pose the greatest risk to patients. It is important to treat patients in a multidisciplinary way, articulating resources in order to mitigate the consequences of dystrophy and ensure a comprehensive treatment of symptoms.

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