Aerobic Exercise in Boys With Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)

Recently, the American Academy of Neurology released new guidelines for children with
Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) with an updated recommendation to include moderate aerobic
exercise. Historically, children with DMD were advised to not exercise as it was thought to
accelerate muscle loss. Today, there is new data suggesting that moderate aerobic exercise
that does not strain muscle may be beneficial and improve a child's quality of life with
regard to heart disease, fatigue, and other factors of overall health. Although it is
expected that children who exercise will experience health benefits, there is no scientific
evidence indicating a positive or negative effect in a DMD population.

This study is trying to understand the role of aerobic exercise in boys with DMD and how it
may impact heart, muscle, and lung function using newly identified biomarkers. The goal is to
correlate increased aerobic exercise with improved functional outcomes and changes in
biomarkers.

The data collected from this study will allow future development and implementation of an
innovative and disease-specific home aerobic exercise program that in the future will be
recommended to families of children with DMD.

Inclusion Criteria:

- Ages 2-17 years old with a confirmed diagnosis of DMD. Has an appointment in MDA
clinic at the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago.

Exclusion Criteria:

- Is less than two years old and does not have a confirmed diagnosis of DMD.