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Published in: Trials 1/2018

Open Access 01-12-2018 | Study protocol

The benefits and tolerance of exercise in myasthenia gravis (MGEX): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Authors: Simone Birnbaum, Jean-Yves Hogrel, Raphael Porcher, Pierre Portero, Bernard Clair, Bruno Eymard, Sophie Demeret, Guillaume Bassez, Marcela Gargiulo, Estelle Louët, Sonia Berrih-Aknin, Asmaa Jobic, Philippe Aegerter, Philippe Thoumie, Tarek Sharshar, the MGEX Study Group

Published in: Trials | Issue 1/2018

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Abstract

Background

Research exploring the effects of physical exercise in auto-immune myasthenia gravis (MG) is scarce. The few existing studies present methodological shortcomings limiting the conclusions and generalisability of results. It is hypothesised that exercise could have positive physical, psychological as well as immunomodulatory effects and may be a beneficial addition to current pharmacological management of this chronic disease. The aim of this study is to evaluate the benefits on perceived quality of life (QOL) and physical fitness of a home-based physical exercise program compared to usual care, for patients with stabilised, generalised auto-immune MG.

Methods

MGEX is a multi-centre, interventional, randomised, single-blind, two-arm parallel group, controlled trial. Forty-two patients will be recruited, aged 18–70 years. Following a three-month observation period, patients will be randomised into a control or experimental group. The experimental group will undertake a 40-min home-based physical exercise program using a rowing machine, three times a week for three months, as an add-on to usual care. The control group will receive usual care with no additional treatment. All patients will be followed up for a further three months. The primary outcome is the mean change in MGQOL-15-F score between three and six months (i.e. pre-intervention and immediately post-intervention periods). The MGQOL-15-F is an MG-specific patient-reported QOL questionnaire. Secondary outcomes include the evaluation of deficits and functional limitations via MG-specific clinical scores (Myasthenia Muscle Score and MG-Activities of Daily Living scale), muscle force and fatigue, respiratory function, free-living physical activity as well as evaluations of anxiety, depression, self-esteem and overall QOL with the WHO-QOL BREF questionnaire. Exercise workload will be assessed as well as multiple safety measures (ECG, biological markers, medication type and dosage and any disease exacerbation or crisis).

Discussion

This is the largest randomised controlled trial to date evaluating the benefits and tolerance of physical exercise in this patient population. The comprehensive evaluations using standardised outcome measures should provide much awaited information for both patients and the scientific community. This study is ongoing.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02066519. Registered on 13 January 2014.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
The benefits and tolerance of exercise in myasthenia gravis (MGEX): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors
Simone Birnbaum
Jean-Yves Hogrel
Raphael Porcher
Pierre Portero
Bernard Clair
Bruno Eymard
Sophie Demeret
Guillaume Bassez
Marcela Gargiulo
Estelle Louët
Sonia Berrih-Aknin
Asmaa Jobic
Philippe Aegerter
Philippe Thoumie
Tarek Sharshar
the MGEX Study Group
Publication date
01-12-2018
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
Trials / Issue 1/2018
Electronic ISSN: 1745-6215
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13063-017-2433-2

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