Exercise for Stable Myasthenia Gravis
Exercise for Stable Myasthenia Gravis
Generalized fatigue in myasthenia gravis results in physical deconditioning that reduces
 fitness and increases risk of obesity, hypertension, elevated cholesterol and type 2
 diabetes. This study will examine how active and fit are 30 individuals with chronic,
 generalized myasthenic subjects. This study will also determine whether a 3 month home
 exercise program with aerobic, resistive, and pulmonary training can improve physical
 activity, strength, fitness, lung function and reduce cardiovascular disease risk.
Generalized fatigue in myasthenia gravis results in a sedentary lifestyle and profound
 physical deconditioning, leading to reduced fitness and increased risk of obesity,
 hypertension, dyslipidemia, and type 2 diabetes. This study will characterize the activity
 and fitness levels and cardiovascular disease risk profile in 30 chronic, generalized
 myasthenic subjects. Hypotheses are that a) subjects with myasthenia gravis are physically
 inactive with reduced fitness level and high incidence of obesity and poor cardiovascular
 disease risk profile, and b) a 3 month multi-modal home exercise program that includes
 aerobic, resistive, and pulmonary training components will improve physical activity,
 strength, fitness, dyspnea, body composition and reduce cardiovascular disease risk. Specific
 aims are to a) define the baseline physical activity and fitness levels and prevalence of
 insulin resistance and dyslipidemia in stable sedentary myasthenic subjects, b) determine
 whether a 3 month moderate intensity home exercise program is safe and feasible in
 deconditioned, stable myasthenic subjects and c) whether a 3 month comprehensive home
 exercise program can enhance fitness, strength, and lung function to improve physical
 activity and reduce cardiovascular disease risk.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  stable generalized myasthenia gravis

 -  adults age 18-70

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  already performing regular exercise

 -  unstable angina

 -  recent (<3 month) myocardial infarction, stroke, hospitalization for major illness or
 major surgery

 -  chronic pain or orthopedic condition restricting exercise

 -  active cancer, excluding basal cell cancer

 -  anemia (HCT <30)

 -  pregnancy

 -  myasthenia gravis exacerbation in past 3 months