title: Sport activity in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease: A case study of a Paralympic swimmer.
abstract: This study reports the positive physical, emotional and psychosocial changes induced by sport activity in a Paralympic swimmer with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) type 4A. When we compared evaluations before initiating sport activity with those after five years of competitive activity, we found: i) increased proximal muscles strength of upper limbs; ii) augmented ability to propel wheelchair independently; iii) improved quality of life; iv) reduced trait anxiety and striking improvement of depression; v) enhanced self-esteem. Longitudinal studies in large cohorts to evaluate the positive effects of sport activity are needed to support provision of evidence-based advice to patients and families.
authors.affiliation: Unit of Neurology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy; Nemo Sud Clinical Centre, Aurora Onlus Foundation, AOU Policlinico, Messina, Italy. Electronic address: giuseppe.vita@unime.it.
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Vita
authors.affiliation: Nemo Sud Clinical Centre, Aurora Onlus Foundation, AOU Policlinico, Messina, Italy.
authors.forename: Stefania
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: La Foresta
authors.affiliation: Nemo Sud Clinical Centre, Aurora Onlus Foundation, AOU Policlinico, Messina, Italy.
authors.forename: Massimo
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Russo
authors.affiliation: Nemo Sud Clinical Centre, Aurora Onlus Foundation, AOU Policlinico, Messina, Italy.
authors.forename: Gian Luca
authors.initials: GL
authors.lastname: Vita
authors.affiliation: Unit of Neurology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy; Nemo Sud Clinical Centre, Aurora Onlus Foundation, AOU Policlinico, Messina, Italy.
authors.forename: Sonia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Messina
authors.affiliation: Nemo Sud Clinical Centre, Aurora Onlus Foundation, AOU Policlinico, Messina, Italy.
authors.forename: Christian
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Lunetta
authors.affiliation: Unit of Neurology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
authors.forename: Anna
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mazzeo
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D056352:Athletes / Q000523:psychology; D002607:Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D011788:Quality of Life; D013550:Swimming / Q000502:physiology / Q000523:psychology; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000503:physiopathology; D014910:Wheelchairs
keywords: Charcot-Marie-Tooth; Paralympic record; Quality of life; Self-esteem; Sport; Swimming