The relationship between myasthenia gravis, acitivity level, and quality of life

Abstract

honors thesisCollege of HealthHealth & KinesiologyKatelyn D. O\u27FarrellA diagnosis of an autoimmune disease can drastically change the trajectory of someone\u27s life. Myasthenia gravis, an autoimmune and neuromuscular disease, is one such disease that affects the neuromuscular junction, or the area where the nervous system and muscles interact. Myasthenia gravis causes the body to produce antibodies that attack the neuromuscular junction by blocking some of the receptors that help produce muscle contractions, which leads to less muscle contractions and increased fatiguability in muscles. Because of the increased fatigue and muscle weakness associated with myasthenia gravis, it may cause people afflicted by the disease to adopt a sedentary lifestyle. By definition, a sedentary lifestyle is one that disproportionally consists of more activities that involve sitting, reclining, or lying down in some form. Physical activity, defined as any skeletal muscle movement that results in energy expenditure, is recommended to reduce the amount of sedentary behavior an individual participates in. In this literature review, physical activity and sedentary behavior will be investigated in its efficacy to be a treatment for fatigue and weakness associated with myasthenia gravis, and physical activity will be investigated as a moderator between myasthenia gravis and quality of life. Fatigue and muscle weakness is a constant problem that many people with myasthenia gravis experience. This fatigue and weakness can prevent people from engaging in activities of daily life. Research has shown that people with myasthenia gravis have a lower physical and emotional quality of life. These findings highlight the iii detrimental effect the symptoms of myasthenia gravis have on people, as they prevent people from engaging in the activities they enjoy. Physical activity was one investigated treatment for myasthenia gravis. Research on the relationship between physical activity and myasthenia gravis yielded some positive results. Individuals with myasthenia gravis can safely engage in physical activity. Furthermore, physical activity has been shown to improve quality of life and help with disease management for individuals. While it is safe for people with myasthenia gravis to engage in myasthenia gravis, exercise has not been proven to improve the fatigue associated with myasthenia gravis. While exercise has not been proven to directly inhibit the fatigue associated with myasthenia gravis, it has been found that a lack of exercise and an increase in sedentary behavior can play a role in the development of myasthenia gravis. There has been much research on the relationship between myasthenia gravis and physical activity, however, their small sample sizes make it challenging to come to any definitive conclusions. It is notable that there is also a lack of current research, with the most recent studies conducted in the mid-2010\u27s. Sedentary behavior was also investigated as a treatment for myasthenia gravis, as the fatigue associated with myasthenia gravis generally improves with rest and worsens during repetitive motions, like physical activity. Further research needs to be conducted on the relationship between sedentary behavior and myasthenia gravis, as much of the current research is outdated. In order to fully understand the relationship between myasthenia gravis, physical activity, sedentary behavior, and quality of life, a mixed-methods research study is suggested. The qualitative arm of the study would include interviews with individuals who have been diagnosed with myasthenia gravis. The interview would explore their physical activity habits, perceived quality of life, and beliefs on how myasthenia gravis has affected their ability to engage in physical activity. The hope is that the interviews will provide a better insight on how to properly address and create an exercise plan for those with myasthenia gravis, and add to the current literature, especially regarding the relationship between myasthenia gravis, physical activity, sedentary behavior, and quality of life