Positive Application of Physical Therapy to Patients with Polymyositis

Abstract

We applied positively isokinetic muscle strengthening exercise and aerobic training to two patients with polymyositis. Their muscle strength and endurance were examined by Cybex II and EMG before and after exercises, and they also performed motor stress test with bicycle ergometer. Both showed improvements in muscle strength, endurance, VO₂ MAX, and VT. Throughout the training period, CPK did not increase. These results indicate that isokinetic muscle strengthening and aerobic training are applicable for patients with polymyositis under the condition that clinical symptoms are carefully observed.