Date of Award
2022
Document Type
Scholarly Project
Degree Name
Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT)
Department
Physical Therapy
First Advisor
Flom-Meland, Cindy
Abstract
Background and Purpose: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a neurological condition involving dysfunction at the neuromuscular junction. There are very few clinical studies and limited research on patients with myasthenia gravis and the effect of exercise. The purpose of this case study was to add to the current research in treatment of myasthenia gravis with physical therapy.
Case Description: The patient was a 73 year old male coming to therapy reporting decreases in functional mobility as well as a decrease in balance. He had been diagnosed with MG at age 62. He also reported that he feels that his strength has slowly been declining over the past few years. He had no history of heart or vascular disease and is within healthy limits for BMI. He lived in a single level home with his wife and does not have any steps to get into the house.
Intervention: Interventions were focused on increasing functional abilities with the intention of increasing balance, strength, and endurance in order to be able to complete daily activities with less fatigue and instability. This included a program of resistance training along with cardiovascular training focused on increasing endurance. Education was provided on the importance of energy conservation as patients with MG often are easily fatigued.
Outcomes: The patient displayed improvements in all functional measures including strength, the Timed Up and Go (TUG), the Berg Balance Scale, the 6 Minute Walk Test, the 5 Time Sit to Stand, and the SF-36. After treatment, he was in the low fall risk for all objective and functional measures. He reported being very satisfied with his current level of function.
Discussion: This study was aligned in other studies in that patients with myasthenia gravis can follow exercise guidelines for healthy adults as long as they do not get overly fatigued. The implications of this case study suggest a combination of treatment techniques including multiple exercise types as well as education were beneficial for this patient. This can be added to existing literature to serve as a means to guide future research studies
Recommended Citation
Bussman, Briton, "Myasthenia Gravis" (2022). Physical Therapy Scholarly Projects. 783.
https://commons.und.edu/pt-grad/783