Redbridge SERC

Becker’s Dystrophy

Description

  • The muscular dystrophies (MDs) are a group of inherited disorders characterised by progressive muscle wasting and weakness.
  • Becker's muscular dystrophy (BMD) is similar to the more common muscular dystrophy, known as Duchenne's muscular dystrophy (DMD), but the clinical course is milder.
  • Becker's dystrophy affects 1 in 17,000 live births.

Fact sheets

Training / Help

SEaTSS can support students with this condition.

To refer to SEATSS please use this link:

https://eforms.redbridge.gov.uk/single-point-of-access-referral-form-for-education-support/

Videos

Screenshot for video: Exercise routine for teenagers with Spina Bifida-useful for all wheelchair children

Exercise routine for teenagers with Spina Bifida-useful for all wheelchair children

National Center for Health, Physical Activity and Disability have produced a range video's showing some warm up, aerobic, and stretching exercises- a really useful link to share with PE staff. …

Screenshot for video: Tomcat adapted trikes

Tomcat adapted trikes

Tomcat Trikes in action

Screenshot for video: Stretches for students in a wheelchair before PE

Stretches for students in a wheelchair before PE

A variety of stretches for beginner wheelchair basketball players, but could be usd with students who are in a wheelchair. Always ensure you seek advice for student's physiotherapist if you …

Lesson Resources

Superhero activities to support exercise programmes for students who have Muscular Dystrophy

Students with muscular dystrophy will have exercise/ stretch programmes from physios/ medical teams.

Staff in school are usually asked to try to incorporate these exercises into the school day.

Understandably, some students are not keen on doing these exercises.

These suggested activiities, are to provide some additional fun/ themes to the exercises- hopefully meaning the students will engage for longer.

These are addiitonal fun elements to complement the formal exercise plan provided by the medical team.

Learning Aids

Please offer me a seat badge

Please offer me a seat badge

Available from:

TfL have recently introduced a badge to help Adults and Children who may have difficulty standing/ waiting on all TfL transport. It is designed to be supportive for hidden disabilities and medical conditions. The badges are free- you do notneed…

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How do you manage Becker's Muscular Dystrophy?
    • Exercise programmes and physiotherapy.
    • Recent evidence suggests that exercise training is beneficial.
    • Muscle cramps may be helped by night splints, massage or compression treatment using air-filled boots.
    • Vitamin D and calcium for bone health and avoid obesity
    • After walking ability is lost - wheelchairs and other aids.
    • Psychological support and employment advice.
  • What are the educational implications for students who have Becker's Dystrophy?
    • In Primary School the main considerations are around mobility and independence.
    • In PE pupils should be encouraged to access as many physical activities as possible to use the full range of movements for as long as possible.
    • Pupils will tire easily—monitor fatigue / look for patterns in school week.
    • Because of increasing weakness in the shoulder girdle muscles the child should not be pulled up by the hands or from under the arms.
    • Support for handwriting—consider scribe / access to ICT
  • What are the early symptoms of Becker's Dystrophy?

    The average age at diagnosis is 11 years, but there is a wide age range.

    Symptoms usually begin in childhood.

    The clinical severity varies from person to person.

    The early symptoms can be;

    • Delayed walking (sometimes) / Muscle cramps on exercise.
    • Most BMD children are not 'athletic' and may struggle with school sports.
  • What are the signs of Becker's Dystrophy?
    • As with DMD, there is muscle wasting and weakness which is mainly proximal.
    • Generally, walking difficulties begin after age 16. 
    • Female carriers of BMD may be affected, either by some degree of muscle weakness and/or by cardiomyopathy.
  • What are the later symptoms of Becker's dystrophy?
    • Muscle weakness, this affects proximal muscles of the limbs mainly.
    • In teenage years or twenties, people can experience difficulty in climbing stairs, fast walking and lifting heavy objects.
    • BMD patients can walk independently until age 16 or later (compared to students who have Duchenne MD, who generally cannot walk beyond age 12).
    • Walking ability is lost usually at age 40-60, but sometimes earlier, around age 20-30
    • Wasting of proximal muscles; hypertrophy of others, particularly the calf muscles.

Family Resources

Whizz Kids

Website: 
http://www.whizz-kidz.org.uk/
Description

Whizz-Kidz is a charity aiming to provide disabled children and young customised mobility equipment, training, advice and life skills.

This Charity provides equipment to children that is not available on the NHS. They also run Wheelchair training courses/ Mobility centres in Dagenham and Havering.

Contact a family

Website: 
http://www.cafamily.org.uk/
Description

A UK wide charity providing advice, information and support to parents of all disabled children.