Individuals with Stickler syndrome should be extremely careful not to perform excessively intense or high-impact forms of exercise. The proper type and degree of exercise, however, can be very beneficial. You should always follow the advice of your doctor or therapist regarding the best type of exercise for your situation.
Stickler Syndrome
Stickler syndrome is a genetically transmitted disease that is characterized by progressive weakening of connective tissues throughout the body. Stickler syndrome patients may experience varied disorders of vision, hearing, bones, joints, and muscles. The condition is caused by mutations in the genes responsible for the formation of collagen, which is an important building block of connective tissues.
Stickler Syndrome Symptoms
A distinctive physical characteristic of Stickler syndrome is a flattening of the facial features. This is caused by underdeveloped bones in the midsection of the face, particularly the cheekbones and the nose. Other common physical features of Stickler syndrome are a large tongue, a cleft palate, and a small lower jaw. Many people with Stickler syndrome also have very severe myopia, as well as glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal detachment. Hearing loss in varying degrees is another common symptom. The joints of affected people may be abnormally loose and hypermobile. Arthritis often sets in early, and other problems with the spine, such as scoliosis and flattened vertebrae, may occur.
Exercise Benefits
Some physical exercise may help Stickler syndrome sufferers deal with some of their musculoskeletal symptoms. Physical exercise can help strengthen muscles and joints, as well as enhance stamina. Weight loss resulting from exercising may also help relieve joint pain by reducing stress on the body. Although they are discouraged from engaging in contact sports, people with Stickler syndrome can still participate in less aggressive physical activities that do not risk damage to their bodies, according to the Stickler Syndrome Support Group.
Exercise Considerations
Low-resistance exercises can be beneficial to Stickler syndrome sufferers. These include walking, bicycling, low-impact aerobics and swimming. Progress can be achieved by increasing repetitions or duration but not by increasing resistance intensity. These exercises can also help the psychological well-being of Stickler syndrome patients. A physical therapist may be able to assist in treatment by gently manipulating a patient's joints to stretch connective tissues. While this therapy may be effective, it may be uncomfortable for the patient. The therapist may also employ Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation, or TENS, on affected areas of the body to relieve pain.The level of challenge of physical exercises should entirely depend on the individual’s own extent of visual, hearing, or joint problems, and, therefore, on the guidelines of his doctor and therapist.
