Effects of Physical Exercise on Functional and Respiratory Capacity, Quality of Life, and Fatigue Perception in Myasthenia Gravis Patients: A Systematic Review

Abstract

We aim to assess the effectiveness of physical exercise on functionality, fatigue perception, respiratory capacity, and quality of life in patients who are diagnosed with myasthenia gravis (MG). Study materials and methods follow Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses declaration criteria. The evaluation was performed in accordance with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology statement for observational and cross-sectional studies and the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials checklist for clinical trials. Searches were conducted on Physiotherapy Evidence, Cochrane, and PubMed databases. Our initial search yielded 312 articles. Of these, 146 were duplicated and 157 excluded, because they did not meet inclusion criteria. Thus, a total of nine articles were eligible for our review, including prospective cohorts of randomized controlled trials that assessed physical exercise effectiveness in patients with MG. Results and conclusions found that physiotherapy protocols that are based on therapeutic exercise produce positive and immediate impacts on functional capacity of MG patients. Physical exercise may help to improve MG patients' quality of life. However, the literature suggests that a need exists for more studies to obtain conclusive results regarding exercise leading to improved quality of life for MG patients.