Evidence based position paper on Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine practice for people with muscular dystrophies

Introduction Muscular dystrophies present a group of inherited degenerative disorder that are characterized by progressive muscular weakness. This evidence-based position paper represents the official position of the European Union through the UEMS PRM Section. The aim of the paper is to evaluate the role of the physical and rehabilitation medicine (PRM) physician and PRM practice for people with muscular dystrophies. Evidence acquisition A systematic review of the literature and a consensus procedure by means of a Delphi process have been performed involving the delegates of all European countries represented in the UEMS PRM Section. Evidence synthesis The systematic literature review is reported together with thirty-three recommendations resulting from the Delphi procedure. Conclusions The role of the PRM physician is to assess the functional status of persons with muscular dystrophy and to plan, monitor and lead PRM program in an interdisciplinary setting within a multiprofessional team.