A new study suggests that structured physical activity and breathing exercises can safely enhance muscle strength and respiratory function in people living with mild-to-moderate myasthenia gravis (MG).
Although patients have previously been encouraged to prioritize rest, the systematic review and meta-analysis published in Scientific Reports indicates that physical and respiratory training may be better than complete physical rest for some patients with MG.
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The researchers analyzed 20 studies involving 1,366 adult patients to determine how structured exercise programs impact symptom severity, muscle strength and daily functioning.
The research team looked at several standardized clinical markers to measure success. For instance, one study demonstrated a significant reduction in the Quantitative Myasthenia Gravis (QMG) score, a clinical tool used to measure the severity of muscle weakness. Results showed an average improvement of 1.61 points in favor of participants who engaged in the exercise program. Additionally, patients who participated in training programs saw a meaningful improvement in their quality of life, with scores on the Myasthenia Gravis Quality of Life 15-item (MG-QOL15) scale increasing by more than five points.
The study identified several specific physical improvements that can facilitate daily activities.
Breathing exercises led to stronger respiratory muscles and improved lung capacity. For patients, this means being able to sustain physical effort with a reduced sense of shortness of breath.
Walking capacity and functional reach also improved: Results from walking tests indicated that patients were able to cover greater distances with less perceived exertion. This improvement in mobility can help reduce the impact of daily fatigue, making routine tasks like climbing stairs more manageable.
Finally, physical activity was associated with an 11% increase in overall muscle strength, with notable improvements in the shoulders and limbs. These gains are important for addressing the “loss of fitness” often caused by inactivity and for helping patients regain the strength required for basic daily movements.
Multiple studies also tracked Activities of Daily Living (MG-ADL), which monitor essential functions such as swallowing, chewing and speaking. While these measures showed a positive trend, researchers noted that the specific benefits varied between individual studies. This variability suggests that exercise isn’t a “one-size-fits-all” solution and must be tailored to the individual.
“Based on these findings, healthcare professionals may consider implementing [physical activity] and respiratory training as part of the therapeutic approach for this patient population,” the authors concluded. However, they advised that patients work with a multidisciplinary healthcare team to develop a safe and effective training program tailored to their specific needs.
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