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Improvement in Health and Possible Reduction in Disease Activity Using Endurance Exercise in Patients With Established Polymyositis and Dermatomyositis: A Multicenter Randomized Controlled Trial With a 1‐Year Open Extension Followup
Author(s) -
Alemo Munters Li,
Dastmalchi Maryam,
Andgren Vivianne,
Emilson Christina,
Bergegård Jenny,
Regardt Malin,
Johansson Anna,
Orefelt Tholander Ingrid,
Hanna Balsam,
Lidén Maria,
Esbjörnsson Mona,
Alexanderson Helene
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
arthritis care and research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.032
H-Index - 163
eISSN - 2151-4658
pISSN - 2151-464X
DOI - 10.1002/acr.22068
Subject(s) - medicine , physical therapy , dermatomyositis , polymyositis , randomized controlled trial , activities of daily living
Objective To determine the effects of a 12‐week endurance exercise program on health, disability, V O 2 max, and disease activity in a multicenter randomized controlled trial in patients with established polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM), and to evaluate health and disability in a 1‐year open extension study. Methods Patients were randomized into a 12‐week endurance exercise program group (EG; n = 11) or a control group (CG; n = 10). Assessments of health (Short Form 36 [SF‐36]), muscle performance (5 voluntary repetition maximum [5 VRM]), activities of daily living (ADL), patient preference (McMaster Toronto Arthritis Patient Preference Disability Questionnaire), V O 2 max, and disease activity (International Myositis Assessment and Clinical Studies criteria of improvement of the 6‐item core set) were performed at 0 and 12 weeks. Disability assessments were performed again at 52 weeks in an open extension period. All assessments were performed by blinded observers. Results The EG improved compared to the CG in SF‐36 physical function and vitality ( P = 0.010 and P = 0.046, respectively), ADL score ( P = 0.035), 5 VRM ( P = 0.026), and V O 2 max ( P = 0.010). More patients in the EG (7 of 11) were responders with reduced disease activity compared to none in the CG ( P = 0.002). Correlations between V O 2 max and SF‐36 physical function were 0.90 and 0.91 at 0 and 12 weeks, respectively ( P < 0.05). The EG improvement in 5 VRM was sustained up to 52 weeks compared to baseline (5.7 kg; P < 0.001), but not in ADL score or SF‐36. Conclusions Endurance exercise improves health and may reduce disease activity in patients with established PM/DM. This potentially could be mediated through improved aerobic fitness. The results also indicate sustained muscle strength up to 1 year after a supervised program.