What is Muscular Dystrophy?
The term muscular dystrophy (MD) refers to a group of more than 30 genetically determined disorders that are characterised by a progressive degeneration of the skeletal muscle which controls movement. These disorders differ and can be subdivided in terms of the distribution and severity of muscle weakness, age of onset, rate of progression and pattern of inheritance.
The incidence of MD varies because the term encompasses disorders that have difference inheritance patterns. Duchenne/ Becker MD is the most common MD to present in childhood and its incidence is approximately 1 in 3,500 male births.
The main types of Muscular Dystrophy are as follows:
Duchenne/Becker
The common form of MD and primarily affects boys. Caused by a lack of dystrophin (a protein involved in maintaining the integrity of muscle) its onset is between 3-5 years.
Myotonic
This is most commonly found in older children and adults. Individuals with myotonic MD appear to have long thin faces, drooping eyelids and a swan like neck.
Congenital
Affected infants present with hypotonia and weakness at birth. There may be joint contractures of variable severity and respiratory and swallowing difficulties.
Fascioscapulohumeral
Symptoms usually begin in late childhood or early adolescence and include facial weakness and weakness of the scapulohumeral musculature. Weakness of the pelvic girdle may develop which will result in a lordotic posture.
Bambach understands the problems associated with Muscular Dystrophy
- Muscle weakness
- Decreased co-ordination and gait (walking) difficulties
- Contractures of the muscles surrounding the joints and loss of mobility
- Development of spinal deformities such as scoliosis
- Weakness of respiratory muscles can lead to restrictive lung disease
The Bambach design, Muscular Dystrophy and Riding for the Disabled
The Bambach saddle seat was designed by an Australian Occupational Therapist as a result of her observation following years spent working with 'Riding for the Disabled'.
She found that disabled individuals suffering from degenerative conditions such as MD often had great difficulty in maintaining a healthy posture and assumed a 'collapsed' or 'slouched' posture when seated in a conventional wheelchair and required considerable support (or strapping) to remain sitting.
These same individuals when sat on horseback were however capable of sitting independently and unsupported and showed remarkably improved functional abilities as a result of being put on a horse on a saddle.
