Q: One student is very capable of doing the mile run and enjoys doing it, but is this detrimental to him?
A: Linda here: - I'll try to answer these questions from experience. Some of our people enjoyed running as youths. If the mile doesn't exhaust him and he doesn't get weaker or slower, his muscles are likely up for it.

Q: The other student has a heavier build and does not enjoy running. He has also had trouble with his hip. Therefore, I do not require this of him. Do you have any other suggestions for measuring cardiovascular endurance? (We do have standards for a two-mile walk but this usually takes longer than the class period allows.)
A: This student should be checked for hip deformity by a physician who knows CMT. An exercise bicycle or seated aerobic exercises might be the answer for measuring cardiovascular endurance but anything that aggravates his hip problem should be avoided.

Q: The shuttle run is a measure of speed and agility. This is difficult for both of the students with CMT . Do you have any suggestions to improve speed and agility or have a different test to measure speed and agility?
A: Speed and agility is something that very few of us ever attain. In fact, we can lose speed and agility as our CMT gets worse. Pushing someone with CMT to excel at athletics can be heartbreaking for them and, if the wrong muscles are worked, can be harmful. Not everyone can develop speed and agility and it is nonsense to stress it as important in a person who has CMT.

Q: Flexibility is so important to all students, but can you offer some specific stretches for students with CMT?
A: Each student should be worked with on an individual basis and there should not be pain with stretches. Pain does not make gain with CMT, it means you are doing damage.

Q: Neither of the students with CMT wear AFOs. Are there things we can do to prevent them from having to wear AFOs in the future?
A: Chances of preventing footdrop are slim but overworking the nerves that serve the peroneal muscles will only make the chances worse. Hightop sport shoes and an ankle foot brace like the RocketSoc would help give support while working out and running.

Q: I have read in previous issues that people with CMT have found resistance training beneficial. What about weight training?
A: Weight training is good as long as muscles served by CMT affected nerves are not pushed. Wrist weights should be used over hand weights.