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WINTER 2026 InTouch | 15 important. People who have muscular dystrophy disorders are more likely to tire quickly and easily and overdoing it may cause irreparable muscle damage. • Supportive Equipment: If and when contractures develop in the ankle joints, a type of orthotic may be offered to the BMD boy to be worn at night. These ankle splints will help maintain the joint in a normal position, and my help reduce the pain experienced from muscle cramping. Standing frames may prolong standing and walking, although it is likely that a wheelchair will eventually be needed. An occupational therapist and/or seating therapist can advise on the most appropriate type of chair and supportive seating. The suitability of the home environment is important to consider at an early stage, so that future adjustments can be made over time. Multi-storied housing can compromise accessibility, and the installation of a lift may bring further problems. When a powered wheelchair becomes necessary, a suitable vehicle for transportation, as well as access and adjacent parking space will be required. Space for a ramp will be necessary up steps, as well as doorways wide enough to allow a wheelchair through. • Medical Treatment: Many medicines and dietary supplements have been tried over the years to treat the symptoms of BMD. So far there is only one group of drugs – the catabolic steroids – that have shown any significant benefit. While there is good evidence for use of steroids in DMD, there is minimal evidence for use in BMD. It is sometimes used in an “off label manner” in children with severe Beckers. This needs to be discussed with the clinician involved as steroids have a lots of possible long term side effects listed above, including issues with poor growth, delayed puberty, weak bones • Nutrition: Excessive weight gain leading to obesity can occur from reduced physical activity produced by the muscle weakness. It is more important for an individual with BMD than the average person that weight is monitored and that a well-balanced diet is followed. Obesity can further complicate the difficulties a BMD boy will experience with his heart and bowel function, and also with breathing. Family and friends can assist the BMD boy adhere to his diet by offering him healthy foods such as fruit and vegetables, and restricting foods containing high levels of sugar and fat. • Surgery: If contractures develop at the ankle joints, these can be surgically treated by release of the Achilles tendon. Having a comfortable foot position may help prolong mobility for some BMD boys. Spinal fusion surgery is performed to correct scoliosis. It is advisable that scoliosis is surgically corrected at the ideal time during a‘window of opportunity’which takes into account the boy’s stage of adolescent growth. Becker boys who undergo this ‘spinal fusion’ are usually very pleased with the outcome. • Respiration: The normal defences people use to rid themselves of excessive secretions do not function effectively in BMD boys, and the early treatment of sniffles and sore throats, and the prevention of chest infections are important. People with BMD should try to preserve their lung function by avoiding secondhand smoking, and in no circumstance should he be an active smoker. Family and caregivers must watch carefully for signs of disrupted sleep due to respiratory problems. Signs include morning drowsiness, lack of concentration, headaches, confusion, sleepiness during the day and wakefulness at night with an increased need to be turned. When respiratory problems become apparent, ventilation machines are available to assist with ventilation during the night. Research into Becker Muscular Dystrophy There are many promising results from ongoing research each year, but it is difficult to say whether that will translate into something we will see in the clinic in five years, 10 years, etc. Research is currently being conducted on how the form of dystrophin produced in BMD (as opposed to DMD where it is completely absent) leads to a more mild disease. This may help in the development of treatments specifically for BMD. There is also research emerging about a new drug that may help boys with“premature WHAT IS BECKER MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY? Continued over ...