Incorporating pool-based exercises into the management of Steinert disease

In a Canadian study, 22 adults with Steinert’s disease (myotonic dystrophy type 1 or MD1) were randomised into groups for either aquatic or land-based training, comprising two one-hour sessions per week for three months.

Aquatic training led to greater gains in muscle strength, particularly in the shoulders and ankles.
Results on the TUG (Timed Up and Go) test, which assesses mobility and balance, improved only in the aquatic group, reaching a score associated with a reduced risk of falls. However, the distance covered during the six-minute walk test did not improve following either type of training.
In both groups, quality of life improved following the training.

These results support the inclusion of pool-based exercises in adapted physical activity programmes for people with type 1 diabetes.

Aquatic training improves muscle strength and functional mobility in adults with myotonic dystrophy type 1: a pilot randomized trial. Ballaz L, Varcin F, Hammad R et al. Neuromuscul Disord. 2026 Juin.

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