Exercise in myasthenia gravis: A feasibility study of aerobic and resistance training |
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| Authors: | Erik Elgaard Mikkelsen MSc Kristian Overgaard PhD Lotte Vinge MD PhD Henning Andersen MD PhD Ulrik Dalgas PhD |
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| Affiliation: | 1. Section for Sport Science, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Denmark, Aarhus C, DenmarkAuthors Rahbek and Mikkelsen contributed equally to the study and, therefore, share first authorship.;2. Section for Sport Science, Department of Public Health, Aarhus University, Denmark, Aarhus C, Denmark;3. Department of Neurology, Aarhus University Hospital, Noerrebrogade, Denmark |
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| Abstract: | Introduction: It has not been established whether progressive resistance training (PRT) and aerobic training (AT) are feasible and efficient in myasthenia gravis (MG). Methods: Fifteen subjects with generalized MG (Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America (MGFA) clinical classification II–IV) were randomly assigned to 20 training sessions during 8 weeks of either PRT or AT. Feasibility was evaluated based on adherence, drop‐out rate, adverse events, and Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis (QMG) score. Results: Twelve subjects (MGFA II, n = 11; MGFA III, n=1) completed the intervention with a mean adherence of 95 % ± 8. One dropout (PRT) could potentially be related to PRT. Both groups reported adverse events, including bulbar symptoms (n = 2) and increased fatigue (n = 3), but no change in QMG score was observed in either group. The PRT group showed increases in maximal strength and functional capacity. Conclusions: Eight weeks of moderate to high intensity AT and PRT were feasible for most patients with mild MG. Maximal strength and functional capacity increased in the PRT group. Muscle Nerve 56 : 700–709, 2017 |
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| Keywords: | myasthenia gravis exercise training progressive resistance training aerobic training neurological disorder feasibility |
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