Benefits of hydrotherapy on severe muscular disease to be explored in new project

The impact and accessibility of hydrotherapy for boys and young men with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) will be analysed in a new research project led by Manchester Metropolitan University and Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.     

The project, which is funded by the charity Duchenne UK, aims to show how hydrotherapy can benefit the mobility of DMD patients and help towards a better quality of life. 

DMD is a progressive condition diagnosed in childhood, which causes all the muscles in the body to gradually weaken. There is currently no cure for the condition and it affects around 2,500 people in the UK. 

Hydrotherapy is generally recommended for everyone with DMD, however more evidence is required to show it benefits mobility. The current lack of evidence means there is less provision across the UK for DMD patients to access hydrotherapy.    

The new trial will last for two years and will see the Trust’s Paediatric Neuromuscular Service, which recently received a prestigious Centre of Excellence award from Muscular Dystrophy UK, working closely with experts at Manchester Met. 

Dr Christopher Morse, Reader in Exercise Physiology at Manchester Metropolitan University Institute of Sport, said: “The whole point of the project is to provide evidence that spending money on this is worthwhile. Patients do feel better, although to get evidence that can convince someone to spend millions of pounds is really tricky.  

“You struggle to recruit due to the lack of pools, and there is a lack of pools because there is no evidence. Hopefully the funding from Duchenne UK will help start that process and give these children something, that isn’t a cure but could make their lives better.” 

Dr Christian de Goede, lead researcher and Consultant Paediatric Neurologist from Lancashire Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “Despite ongoing research, there is still no cure for DMD. However, there is a lot we can do to help and improve the lives of these boys and men. We believe hydrotherapy can make a difference and our aim is to provide evidence for this. This will help to support the development and access to hydrotherapy which currently is very limited.”   

Candiss Argent, Paediatric Research Physiotherapist at the Trust, added: “What this study has brought to Lancashire Teaching Hospitals, is a really strong working relationship with Manchester Met. There is potential for a lot of opportunities in the future, also with Duchenne UK supporting us. We’ve had to go and make connections with local charities as well. Some really positive things have come from strong collaboration.”   

Care standards for people with DMD are increasing, which means people with DMD are living longer. Argent believes the focus should widen to making sure they are living a meaningful and happy life. 

She said: “The study is not just about the physical benefits, it’s the outcome measures of participation and quality of life.   

“We’ve had all these amazing medical advances within the neuromuscular world in general, but the therapeutic element needs to come in then and we need stronger, more robust evidence to back what we’re doing as physiotherapists.” 

Patients involved in the trial will travel to Rochdale to access a hydro pool provided by the Jolly Josh Charity. Researchers will monitor the effects of the regular hydrotherapy sessions on the participant’s mobility and hope to provide the evidence needed to improve the availability and access to facilities for patients across the UK.