Effects of Treatments Applied in Myasthenia Gravis on Gait: Review

Abstract

Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease in which neuromuscular transmission is blocked and neuromuscular junction physiology is affected. The main feature in MG is altered muscle weakness and fatigue of muscle groups that worsens with exercise and improves with rest. With the emergence of muscle weakness in the following periods, walking is affected in MG. This causes balance and walking problems. Most of the patients have complaints of falling and fear of falling. While applying MG treatment, myasthenic symptoms should be reduced and a stable clinical picture should be obtained in which the daily activities of the person are relieved. The aim of this study is to understand the effect of rehabilitation practices on gait in MG and to determine which exercises are effective. As a result, physiotherapy and rehabilitation approaches can provide solutions to patients' complaints, albeit symptomatically. Active resistance exercises, aerobic exercises, balance strategy training, endurance exercises, posture exercises, stretching exercises and active–passive range of motion exercises should be performed in an exercise program. In addition, rhythmic auditory stimulation and pre-surgical respiratory physiotherapy also have positive effects on walking.