Navigating Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy: Mobility Aids and Resources

This article was updated in August 2025 to reflect the most recent information on LGMD since its original publication in March 2025.

As Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD) progresses, it can become harder to walk, climb stairs and manage everyday tasks. But with the right tools and support, many people are able to stay active and independent for longer.

This blog looks at the mobility challenges people with LGMD may face. It shares practical ways to make daily life easier, such as physical therapy, mobility aids, assistive devices, and home modifications. These tools can help support everyday activities and contribute to overall well-being.

With this blog, we aim to provide clear, helpful information to support daily living and future planning for people with LGMD and their loved ones.

What is Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy?

Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD) is a group of genetic conditions that cause muscles to become weak and shrink over time. It mainly affects muscles near the center of the body, like those in the shoulders, upper arms, pelvic area, thighs and hips. ^{1, 2, 3}

As the condition progresses, it can become harder to move around or do daily activities like walking, standing, or getting dressed.^{1, 2, 3}

This blog looks at how LGMD affects movement. It also shares information about practical tools, such as mobility aids, assistive devices, and home modifications, that can help people with LGMD make everyday life easier and stay independent for longer.

If you want to learn more about LGMD symptoms, diagnosis, or treatment option, check out our dedicated blog.

Common Mobility Challenges for People with LGMD

People with Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD) often have trouble moving because their muscles get weaker over time. This usually affects muscles in the hips, legs, and shoulders.

The first LGMD signs can appear in both childhood and adulthood. When they start earlier, the condition may progress more quickly. However, the onset and severity of the symptoms varies widely among the different subtypes. ^{2, 3}

Common mobility challenges for people with LGMD may include:

• Changes in walking pattern, a “waddling” gait because of weakness of the hip and leg muscles. ^{1, 3}
• Trouble getting out of chairs or rising from a toilet seat. People with LGMD may need to use their arms to push themselves up from a squatting position due to weakness in their thigh muscles. ^{1, 3}
• Difficulty climbing stairs or running. ^{1, 3}
• Weakness in the shoulder area can make tasks like reaching overhead, holding arms outstretched, or carrying heavy objects challenging. ^{2, 3}
• Joint stiffness (called contractures, where muscles or tendons shorten and limit movement) can also occur for some people with LGMD, restricting movement in the hips, knees, ankles, or elbows. ^{1, 3}

Physical Therapy for LGMD

Physical therapy can help people with Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD) maintain mobility and stay as active as possible. It can also help stretch the joints and lower the risk of contractures. ³

Every therapy plan is made for each person’s individual needs. That’s because muscles in LGMD can be easily damaged. A therapist will choose safe exercises to help muscles stay strong without causing harm.⁴

Recommended Exercises for Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy

There are two types of exercise that may help people with LGMD. ⁴

• Strength or resistance training: These exercises help keep muscles strong. They usually involve repeating simple movements like step-ups, squats (with or without support), or bending and straightening the knees. Light weights, resistance bands, or body weight may be used. ^{4, 5, 6} 
• Low-impact aerobic training: These are gentle, steady movements like walking, swimming, or cycling. They help keep the heart and muscles healthy and can slow down muscle weakness. ⁴ Swimming or water exercises can be particularly effective for maintaining muscle tone. Additionally, water helps support the body, taking pressure off the muscles and joints. This makes injury less likely.³

Before starting any exercise program, it is important to consult a physician or healthcare provider to make sure the exercises are safe.

Mobility Aids and Devices for LGMD

People with Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD) may use mobility aids or other helpful tools to stay active and independent for as long as possible. ⁷

A physical or occupational therapist can help find the right device based on the person’s needs. They also show how to use it safely. ⁷

Some common mobility aids for LGMD include:

Walking aids

In the early stages of Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD), the use of walking aids can provide support to prevent falls. It can also reduce fatigue and stress on muscles. ⁷

Some commonly used walking aid options include:

• Canes: A cane is a simple walking stick with a handle. It can be helpful for individuals with mild balance issues or those who need occasional support. Canes can help make walking easier and reduce the risk of falls.^{2, 3}
• Walkers: A walker is a sturdy frame that helps with balance and stability while walking. Some have wheels or rubber tips that make it easier to move. ²

Wheelchairs and Scooters

Walking aids can help individuals stay mobile for as long as possible. However, some people may need more support as the condition progresses. ⁷ Choosing the right device depends on individual needs and daily activities. It may include:

• Mobility scooters: These are mostly used outdoors. These devices are controlled using handlebars and are useful for covering long distances. ⁸
• Power wheelchairs: These can be used both indoors and outdoors. They are easy to steer and can be adjusted to fit the person’s needs. Some can be controlled using a joystick, buttons, or head movement systems. ⁸

Orthotic Devices

Orthotic devices (also called orthoses) are braces that support weakened muscles and make walking easier. They can also prevent contractures (joint stiffness) from getting worse.⁹

Common options for people with LGMD include:

• Ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs): These braces cover the ankle, foot, and the lower leg below the knee. AFOs can help people walk more easily and with less pain.⁹
• Knee-ancle-foot orthoses (KAFOs): These are similar to AFOs but also support the knee. They add extra support, help reduce pain, and keep the legs more stable. ⁹

Because Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD) gets worse over time, it’s helpful to think about future needs, not just current ones. Choosing the right brace early can help a person stay independent and comfortable for longer.⁸

Home Modifications for LGMD

Adapting the living space can make daily activities more manageable and safer for people with Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD).

Because LGMD may progress  over time, it helps to plan for both current and future needs. [7] What changes are needed at home can vary based on the person’s needs and how fast their condition is changing:

Access to the house

• Where possible, a property should have step-free access. ¹⁰
• If the person can still walk and is unlikely to need a wheelchair in the immediate future, it may be helpful to create shallow steps. ¹⁰
• If the person uses a wheelchair, supplementary ramping may be necessary. If a ramp with the correct slope is not feasible, a short rise lift, or step lift can be installed for easier access. ¹⁰

Doors

• Outside doors may need to be made wider so a wheelchair or other mobility aid can fit through. Doorbells and peepholes should be placed at a height that’s easy to reach. ¹⁰
• Inside the house, swing doors or sliding doors may be easier to open for people who have trouble moving their arms.¹⁰

Bathrooms

• The type of floor can be selected based on personal needs. For example, a non-slip surface can help those people who can walk but experience balance difficulties. ¹⁰
• Installing a roll-in shower, grab bars, and a shower chair can enhance safety and independence.
• It is recommended that sinks have enough space underneath for a wheelchair to fit comfortably.¹¹
• Faucets (taps) with lever handles or electronic sensors can make it easier to turn water on and off without needing to twist the wrist or grasp onto a knob.¹¹
• Toilet modifications, like adding a raised seat or placing a spacer under the base, can make it easier and safer to use.¹¹

Kitchen

• The kitchen should have enough open space so a person in a wheelchair can move around easily. An open kitchen layout, like one with an island, can make it easier to move around and perform daily tasks.¹¹
• Counters should be lower so they can be used while sitting.¹¹
• There should be open space under the sink and oven so a wheelchair can fit.¹¹
• Storage should be set up so that everyday items are easy to reach. Cupboards and drawers work best with D-shaped handles, which are easier to grab and pull. ¹⁰

Bedrooms

• Placing the bed in the center of a wall gives caregivers access from both sides. There should also be enough space for a wheelchair and hoisting equipment. ¹⁰
• Hospital beds with adjustable height can make it easier and safer for the person and their helper to get in and out of bed. ¹¹
• Wooden or laminate floors are easier to clean and allow wheelchairs to move more smoothly. ¹⁰
• It’s helpful to have enough power outlets for medical devices like ventilators, cough machines, or adjustable beds. ¹⁰

For more guidance, you can visit the Muscular Dystrophy UK Adaptations Manual and the MDA Home Modifications Guide for detailed recommendations on accessible home modifications.

Conclusion

Managing mobility challenges for people with Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy usually involves a combination of therapies, assistive devices, and home adaptations. This can help people stay independent and feel better for longer.

Physical therapy can help people stay mobile, keep muscles strong, and lower the risk of tight joints (called contractures). Some exercises may include step-ups, squats, or swimming.

Walking aids, such as canes, walkers, wheelchairs, and braces, can give support and help people stay active as the condition progresses. They also reduce tiredness and make movement more comfortable.

Home modifications, such as adding ramps, roll-in showers, grab bars, and easy-to-reach storage, can make daily life safer and easier.

With support from doctors or therapists, these strategies can help people with LGMD stay active and feel more in control of their daily life.

At myTomorrows, we have a team of Patient Navigators, who are multi-lingual professionals with a medical background, who can help you to explore your treatment options and support you through your journey.

Patient Navigators do not provide medical advice. They offer support in exploring publicly available information about clinical trials and investigational options.

References