Effect of low intensity aerobic cycling ergometer on muscle activation and muscle endurance of patients with myasthenia gravis in Dr. Soetomo General Hospital Surabaya

Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a chronic autoimmune condition characterized by impaired neuromuscular transmission at the neuromuscular junction, leading to reduced muscle activation and endurance. This study aimed to assess the impact of an 8-week low-intensity cycle ergometer aerobic exercise program on knee extensor muscle activation and endurance in MG patients. This randomized controlled trial was conducted from May to June 2023, involving twenty participants randomly assigned to either a treatment or control group. The treatment group underwent low-intensity aerobic exercises using a cycle ergometer three times per week for eight weeks. Both groups received guidance on lifestyle adjustments and effective breathing exercises. Muscle activation and endurance were evaluated using surface electromyography (SEMG) before and after the intervention. Significant improvements in knee extensor muscle activation and endurance were observed in MG patients following the 8-week low-intensity cycle ergometer aerobic exercise program. Specifically, the activation percentage of the vastus medialis oblique (VMO) and vastus lateralis (VL) muscles increased by 7% (p = 0.001, Cohen's D ≥ 1.5), and endurance improved by 19 µV (P = 0.001, Cohen's D ≥ 1.5) in both muscle groups post-intervention. Low-intensity cycle ergometer aerobic exercise effectively enhances activation and endurance of VMO and VL muscles in MG patients, indicating its safety and potential benefits for individuals with mild generalized MG.