The effects of spinal stabilization exercises in patients with myasthenia gravis: a randomized crossover study
Ali Naim Ceren, Yeliz Salcı, Ayla Fil Balkan, Ebru Çalık-Kütükçü, Kadriye Armutlu, Sevim Erdem‐Özdamar
Abstract
PURPOSE: 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. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 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. RESULTS: = .005 in all parameters). CONCLUSIONS: 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 RehabilitationSpinal 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.