Muscular dystrophies are a group of progressive muscle diseases which cause characteristic patterns of irreversible muscle wasting resulting in muscle weakness and deformity. Two common types are Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies, which mostly affect males, with some rare exceptions.
Symptoms and characteristics
Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophies present with similar patterns of weakness and related disability. Symptoms progress and eventually involve all voluntary muscles.
Symptoms of Duchenne muscular dystrophy include:
- symptoms first evident between the ages of 2 and 6 years
- general muscle weakness and wasting which usually affects the pelvis, upper arms and upper legs first
- unusual posture and walking gait which usually progresses to the use of a wheelchair by early teens
- restriction in joint movement
- scoliosis
- breathing difficulties
- heart problems in some cases.
Becker muscular dystrophy symptoms are similar to those of Duchenne, however progress more slowly and with less severity and are not normally evident until between the ages of 5 and 25 years.
For information on other musculoskeletal disorders, please see the link below:
Workplace solutions and adjustments
In the workplace there are various factors that would assist people with muscular dystrophy to better manage their symptoms. These include:
- lighter non-physical duties such as desk based positions
- ensuring the workplace is wheelchair accessible including entryways, work areas, bathroom and kitchen amenities
- consideration of computer based technology to minimise the need for handwriting or keying. Examples include voice activated software programs to replace keyboard and mouse input or voice recorders which can transmit data from recordings like team meeting minutes directly to the computer
- availability of part-time work or flexible work hours to accommodate medical appointments and treatment
- regular support on the job to identify any deterioration in physical capabilities which may require some adaptive equipment to overcome any new barriers, change to a work role or change to how a job task is undertaken.
The Employment Assistance Fund provides financial assistance for work related modifications, equipment and services to help people with disability to get employment and perform their work as independently and productively as possible. To determine eligibility, please refer to the full guidelines:
There are solutions and adjustments for the following job requirements:
References
Better Health Channel 2011, Muscular Dystrophy—Duchenne and Becker, State Government of Victoria, Melbourne, viewed 10 November 2011, http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/bhcv2/bhcarticles.nsf/pages/Muscular_dystrophy_Duchenne_and_Becker?open.
Muscular Dystrophy Australia 1995-2010, 101 Questions About MD, Muscular Dystrophy Limited, North Melbourne, viewed 10 November 2011, http://www.mda.org.au/Information/Publications/MD101.asp.