The effects of spinal stabilization exercises in patients with myasthenia gravis: a randomized crossover study

• Published in: Disability and rehabilitation 2022-12, Vol.44 (26), p.8442-8449
• Main Authors: Ceren, Ali Naim, Salcı, Yeliz, Fil Balkan, Ayla, Çalık Kütükçü, Ebru, Armutlu, Kadriye, Erdem Özdamar, Sevim
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; callisthenic exercise; Cross-Over Studies; Exercise Therapy; Fatigue; home exercise program; Humans; Middle Aged; Myasthenia Gravis; physiotherapy; Quality of Life; spinal stabilization exercise; Young Adult
• ISSN: 0963-8288; 1464-5165
• DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2021.2022221

The effects of spinal stabilization exercises (SSE) on fatigue, muscle strength, respiratory functions, functional capacity, and quality of life (QoL) in myasthenia gravis (MG) patients were investigated. This study which was designed a single-blinded, randomized crossover trial were included mild to moderate 10 MG patients, aged between 18 and 65. SSE and home program were applied to the patients for six weeks, four weeks between each exercise program. Fatigue assessed with Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and Visual Analog Fatigue Scale (VAFS). Muscle strengths were assessed with dynamometric measures. Respiratory Function Test, 6 Minute Walk Test (6MWT), Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis Score (QMGS), Myasthenia Gravis Quality of Life Scale-15 (MGQOL-15) were used. All parameters were improved in SSE group, but not neck muscles strength, QMGS, and respiratory functions in home program group. FSS, VAFS, muscle strength, 6MWT, MGQOL-15 values were found significantly different in SSE group (p = .005 in all parameters). SSE are safe and effective on fatigue, muscle strength, respiratory functions, functional capacity, and QoL for MG patients, so it may be suggested to include SSE in rehabilitation programs of MG patients. Implications For Rehabilitation Spinal stabilization exercises are safe and effective for Myasthenia Gravis patients. Home exercise program which included breathing exercises and callisthenic exercises tailored to the patients' needs is safe and effective for Myasthenia Gravis patients. Rehabilitation programs of Myasthenia Gravis patients should include spinal stabilization exercises.