Low-Intensity Aerobic Cycling Improves Appendicular Muscle Mass Index in Patients with Myasthenia Gravis: A Randomized Controlled Study

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease characterized by fluctuating skeletal muscle weakness, which often leads to reduced muscle strength and cardiorespiratory fitness. Appendicular Skeletal Muscle Index (ASMI), the ratio of limb muscle mass to height, is a critical indicator of muscle health in MG patients. This study investigates the impact of low-intensity aerobic cycling on ASMI in MG patients. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of low-intensity aerobic cycling on ASMI in patients with MG. This exploratory, randomized controlled trial involved 20 MG patients classified as MGFA II-IV, aged 18-59 years. Participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention group, which underwent 30-minute sessions of low-intensity aerobic cycling three times a week for eight weeks, or a control group that received usual care without additional exercise. ASMI was measured using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) before and after the intervention. The intervention group showed a significant increase in ASMI after the eight-week program (p < 0.001, Cohen's D = 0.99), while no significant change was observed in the control group (p = 0.075). A significant difference in post-intervention ASMI scores was also noted between the intervention and control groups (p = 0.049). Low-intensity aerobic cycling for eight weeks significantly improves ASMI in MG patients, suggesting it as a viable non-pharmacological intervention to enhance muscle mass in this population.

Low-Intensity Aerobic Cycling Improves Appendicular Muscle Mass Index in Patients with Myasthenia Gravis: A Randomized Controlled Study Keywords:

Aerobic exercise , cycle ergometer , Myasthenia gravis , Appendicular Skeletal Muscle Index , neuromuscular disease