Effect of low-intensity aerobic cycling ergometer on ability to perform activity of daily living of patients with myasthenia gravis in RSUD Dr. Soetomo Surabaya

Abstract

Background and objectives. Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease of the neuromuscular junction causing fluctuating skeletal muscle weakness and fatigue that result in increased restrictions on physical activity, affecting the patient's ability to perform daily activities in the family, social, and work environment. The MG-ADL scale is an assessment of the ability of the daily activities of MG patients that does not require equipment or special skills for the examiner and can be done in a short time. This study analyzes the effect of low intensity aerobic exercise cycle ergometer on the ability to perform daily activities of MG patients. Materials and methods. Twenty-two MG patients, MGFA class IIa and IIb, aged 18–59, participated in this study. The subjects were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group. The treatment group received aerobic cycle ergometer exercise for 30 minutes, three times per week, for eight weeks. Both groups were educated to continue medication from neurology, perform physical activity as usual, and breathing exercises. Assessment of MG-ADL performed before and after intervention. Results. There was an improvement in scores on breathing and lower limb function in the treatment group. There was significant decrease in MG-ADL scores at the intervention group (p = 0.000) with large effect size (1.09). The comparison of MG-ADL scores between groups showed a significant value (p = 0.009) with a large effect size (1.24). Conclusion. Low intensity aerobic exercise cycle ergometer for 8 weeks improves the ability to perform ADL in MG patient.

Keywords

• cycle ergometer
• myasthenia gravis
• activity of daily living
• neuromuscular disease