PTCase ReportJournal of physical therapy science2024

Independence in activities of daily living was achieved using aerobic exercise without overwork weakness during rehabilitation: a case report of Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome.

Eisei Harayama, Kei Goto, Kota Yamauchi

PMID 38952457

WHAT IT FOUND

One woman with Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome achieved independence in ADL without overwork weakness while receiving cholinesterase inhibitor, IVIg, plasma exchange, prednisolone, tacrolimus, 3,4-DAP and aerobic physical therapy; single contributions cannot be separated.

Key findings

01By discharge, the participant had a Barthel Index of 100 points and could walk 100 meters continuously without assistance.

02The aerobic exercise program did not produce overwork weakness, and the modified Borg Scale did not exceed the target value of 4.

STILL TO COME

How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs

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What it does not show

This is a case report of one person, so it cannot show that any treatment works. She received multiple medical treatments and physical therapy together, so the contribution of any single part cannot be separated. The electrophysiological examination during diagnosis showed a negative repetitive stimulation test, and high-frequency stimulation was not completed because of pain. Sarcopenia was not evaluated, although it may affect muscle strength improvement. Trunk ataxia and balance impairment persisted at discharge. The participant had atrial fibrillation, hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia, so her course may not match other patients.

Declared interests

The authors declared no funding and no conflict of interest relevant to the article.

The easy way to misread this

Do not read the improved scores as proof that aerobic exercise alone caused recovery. The participant also received cholinesterase inhibitor, IVIg, plasma exchange, prednisolone, tacrolimus and 3,4-DAP, and this is one case report.

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