Effects of Whole-body Electrical Muscle Stimulation Exercise on Adults With Myasthenia Gravis
University of Missouri-Columbia
Summary
During this pilot study, the investigators will examine the effects of whole-body electrical muscle stimulation exercise (WB-EMS Exercise) on neuromuscular junction (NMJ) transmission and fatigability in adults with Generalized Myasthenia Gravis (gMG). The investigators will also test whether a relationship exists between NMJ transmission dysfunction and fatigability in gMG, which has long been presumed but never directly assessed. Participants will undergo clinical and electrophysiologic testing before and after the WB-EMS Exercise intervention. The WB-EMS Exercise intervention will be delivered 2 times per week for 4 weeks. Long-term follow up is optional. The hypotheses are (a) that the WB-EMS exercise will improve fatigability and NMJ transmission, and (b) that NMJ transmission dysfunction is related to fatigability.
Description
During this pilot study, the investigators will examine the effects of a novel paradigm, whole-body electrical muscle stimulation exercise (WB-EMS Exercise), on neuromuscular junction (NMJ) transmission and fatigability in adults with Generalized Myasthenia Gravis (gMG). The investigators will also test whether a relationship exists between NMJ transmission dysfunction and fatigability in gMG, which has long been presumed but never directly assessed. The investigators will use single fiber electromyography (SFEMG) to capture pre- and post-treatment jitter, which measures NMJ transmission varia…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria for Participants with MG: * Age 18 or older * Diagnosed with Generalized Myasthenia Gravis (gMG) via seropositive test for acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibodies or seronegative test with clinical symptoms consistent with gMG * On stable MG therapy for at least 1 month * Ability to stand for approximately 15 minutes continuously with or without an assistive device (i.e. the length of time to stand to take a shower, complete meal preparation, wait in line at the bank, etc.) * Score of 1 (Mild) or 2 (Moderate) on at least one side of the "arm outstretched" and "leg outstret…
Interventions
- DeviceWhole-body Electrical Muscle Stimulation Exercise
This is a fitness device that delivers whole-body electrical muscle stimulation in conjunction with exercise programs using an iPad App. The stimulation suit (fitted shorts/shirt, vest, leg straps, arm straps) will be donned with the assistance of trained research personnel. Muscle groups stimulated include biceps, triceps, pectorals, abdominals, periscapular musculature, paraspinal musculature, gluteus musculature, quadriceps, and hamstrings. The stimulation level of each individual muscle group can be tailored to participant responses and tolerance (i.e. stimulation of the quadriceps and biceps can occur at different settings). While the participant is following along with the video, a qualified health care professional will be monitoring and adjusting the stimulation levels based on participant responses; rate of perceived exertion will also be monitored to ensure safe moderate intensity levels are maintained.
Locations (2)
- University of Kansas Clinical Research CenterFairway, Kansas
- NextGen Precision Health Building, Clinical and Translational Science UnitColumbia, Missouri