Becker muscular dystrophy: why muscles weaken
Accessible description of the infographic
An altered DMD gene results in dystrophin providing less protection to muscle fibers; repeated contractions and movement can progressively damage vulnerable fibers, which may contribute to muscle weakening over time, while the heart can also be affected.
This educational infographic, presented on a dark blue background, explains in four successive steps why muscles may progressively weaken in Becker muscular dystrophy. The four steps are arranged vertically and connected by orange downward arrows, creating a clear sequence from the altered DMD gene to possible muscle weakening. Each step is accompanied by a simple schematic illustration in dark blue, orange and pale grey.
1. The DMD gene is altered
The first step states that the DMD gene is altered. As a result, the dystrophin produced provides less protection to muscle fibers.
The accompanying illustration is a stylized genetic structure made of intertwined dark-blue and orange strands, with small connecting lines and a circular orange element.
2. A less protected muscle fiber
The second step explains that with each contraction, the muscle fiber membrane is less able to withstand the forces acting on it.
The illustration shows a simplified oval muscle fiber containing horizontal orange bands. Small dark-blue arrows point inward from both sides, representing the forces applied to the fiber during contraction.
3. Repeated muscle damage
The third step explains that vulnerable muscle fibers are damaged over time as muscles move.
The illustration shows a similar muscle fiber crossed by an irregular dark-blue crack, suggesting damage to the fiber. Three small orange lines around the right side emphasize the damaged area.
4. Muscles may weaken
The fourth step states that, over time, some muscle fibers may be replaced by fibrous and fatty tissue.
The illustration represents a simplified circular cross-section containing several rounded shapes in orange, white and grey-purple, visually suggesting changes in muscle tissue.
What about the heart?
A separate purple panel at the bottom includes a white heart icon inside an orange circle. The panel explains that the heart also contains dystrophin and can be affected. For this reason, the infographic highlights the importance of cardiac monitoring.
Source : Magot et al., J Neurol (2023) et Gorgoglione et al., Brain (2025).