[Mariner_9]

Asking on behalf of someone who has EDS. There is some color in this article Strength Training for EDS which explains why doing anything close to 1RM is not recommended.

How would you adjust a training program given this info? I did find some research online (Functional adaptation of tendon and skeletal muscle to resistance training in three patients with genetically verified classic Ehlers Danlos Syndrome) which suggests lower weights and higher reps are OK. Given that, I wondered about simply recommending they extend their General Strength routine from the Transition Period and slowly increase the weights over time.

I appreciate this is the overlap of two niches which makes information very hard to come by. Thanks in advance for any ideas.

Topic

[Anonymous]

Anonymous on March 14, 2017 at 4:21 pm #4264

Mariner:

People with hyper mobile joints should focus on developing the strength in the stabilizer muscles around the joint rather than focusing on developing the maximum strength in the prime movers for those joints. So, much of the TftNA general strength routine, emphasizing body weight movements with many very controlled reps will be best. All exercises should be functional in nature with full ranges of motion and good joint stability before any additional resistance is added. I’d be careful with things like pull ups which always put a high load on the shoulder joints. Use assistance for this one.

Scott

[Mariner_9]

Mariner_9 on March 21, 2017 at 5:57 pm #4310

Thanks, Scott, I appreciate you taking the time to respond. I’ve passed on your comments to my friend. She has a PT who specializes in hypermobility – hopefully they can incorporate your suggestions into a training plan that will avoid injury.