Resistance Training in Wilson Disease: A Case Study

Zahra Chakeri; Saeed Talebian

doi:10.18502/jmr.v17i2.12419

Zahra Chakeri Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Rehabilitation, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
Saeed Talebian Department of Physiotherapy, School of Rehabilitation, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/jmr.v17i2.12419

Keywords: Wilson disease; Upper extremity; Resistance training

Abstract

A 15-year-old boy was diagnosed with Wilson disease and referred to a physiotherapy clinic for treatment. He received daily physical therapy exercises with resistance training three times a week for 70 minutes for 8 weeks. The performance of daily activities was evaluated using the Persian version of the disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) questionnaire. Upper limb muscle strength was assessed using a manual muscle strength test. The DASH questionnaire score decreased from 67.24 before treatment to 46.55 after 4 weeks and 36.20 after 8 weeks. In addition, shoulder flexion and extension are improved. The analysis of resistance exercises to facilitate distal muscles through the use of manual muscle tests showed an improvement in the strength of both hands. The present study suggests that regular physical therapy and exercise may help improve daily activity and muscle strength in Wilson disease.