The goal of this clinical trial is to determine whether inspiratory muscle training aids in the recovery of respiratory muscle strength and helps prevent further muscle weakness in patients with myasthenia gravis. The primary research questions are: Does inspiratory muscle training enhance respiratory muscle strength recovery? Does the intervention lead to improved lung volumes? Participants underwent daily inspiratory muscle training and aerobic exercise for six consecutive weeks.
Patients with myasthenia gravis who experience acute exacerbations requiring hospitalization often suffer a significant decline in muscle strength, followed by partial recovery after the acute phase. This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the potential of early inspiratory muscle training and aerobic exercise in promoting muscle strength recovery and preventing further weakness. The study will assess differences in lung function, respiratory muscle strength, and dyspnea levels following the intervention after patients are discharged from the hospital post-acute exacerbation.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
68
Patients in the IMT group received the intervention using a threshold loading device set at a pressure range of 5-39 cmH₂O. They were instructed to perform six sets of five breaths, totaling 30 breaths, twice daily for six weeks. Additionally, the aerobic exercise regimen included upper limb exercises (raising arms without resistance), a lower limb stepping warm-up, and a walking routine consisting of 5 minutes of slow walking, 2 minutes of brisk walking, and another 5 minutes of slow walking, for a total of 30 minutes per day.
Subjects received routine care.
Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital
Kaohsiung City, Taiwan
Maximum inspiratory pressure
Maximum inspiratory pressure was measured by instructing each subject to exert their maximum inspiratory force against a pressure gauge.
Time frame: Six weeks
Dyspnea Severity Assessment
Dyspnea severity was assessed by a rating of perceived exertion, using the Borg Scale which ranged from 0 (no respiratory difficulty) to 10 (extreme respiratory difficulty), with higher scores indicating more severe breathing difficulty.
Time frame: Six weeks
Forced expiratory volume at one second
The forced expiratory volume at one second was obtained, using spirometry, by having the patient take a deep breath and then exhale forcefully. The test results were based on three reproducible measurements.
Time frame: Six weeks
Peak expiratory flow
The peak expiratory flow was measured using a respiratory mechanics monitor during three forceful expirations.
Time frame: Six weeks
Maximum expiratory pressure
Maximum expiratory pressure was measured by instructing each subject to exert their maximum expiratory force against a pressure gauge.
Time frame: Six weeks
Forced Vital Capacity
Forced vital capacity was measured using spirometry. Patients were instructed to take a deep breath and then exhale forcefully. The results were based on the average of three reproducible measurements.
Time frame: Six weeks
Six-minute walk test
Patients were instructed to walk as fast as possible, while pulse oxygen saturation levels, heart rate, and Borg scale scores were monitored and recorded before, during, and after the test.
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Time frame: Six weeks