Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.24141/1/7/1/4
Involvement of myasthenia gravis patients in physiotherapy and physical activities
Marija Marinović
; University of Applied Health Sciences, Zagreb, Croatia
Mirjana Telebuh
orcid.org/0000-0002-4228-3542
; University of Applied Health Sciences, Zagreb, Croatia
Iva Lončarić Kelečić
orcid.org/0000-0003-2517-3082
; Department of Rehabilitation and Orthopaedic Aids, University Hospital Centre, Zagreb , Croatia
Gordana Grozdek Čovčić
orcid.org/0000-0001-8601-6166
; University of Applied Health Sciences, Zagreb, Croatia
Želimir Bertić
orcid.org/0000-0002-7788-4356
; Institute of Public Health of Bjelovar-Bilogora County, Croatia
Mihaela Grubišić
orcid.org/0000-0001-5386-3414
; University of Applied Health Sciences, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune neuromuscular disease in which organism produces antibodies against receptors located on muscle cells thus preventing transmission of stimuli from nerves to muscles. Muscles tire rapidly and muscle weakness occurs. The aim of this study was to examine the functionality in the daily life of patients with myasthenia gravis related to gender, thymus surgery and incontinence, and to examine the involvement of patients in the physiotherapy process and other forms of physical activity.
211 subjects diagnosed with myasthenia gravis were included in the research - 181 women (85.8%) and 30 men (14.2%) with the mean age of 39 years. Results of this research show that most subjects believe that planned physical activity aggravates their health status, does not affect it, or they are not aware of the effects it has on their health; they are less physically active and most do not undergo a physiotherapy treatment or do other physical activity. A statistically significant difference in functioning in daily life was established in subjects who had undergone a thymectomy (p < 0.00) and those with incontinence problems (p < 0.00). Myasthenia gravis undoubtedly leads to a poorer functioning in daily life and educating myasthenia gravis patients on the importance of therapeutic exercise brings about benefits such as improving their functioning in activities of daily living (ADL).
Keywords
myasthenia gravis; physiotherapy; therapeutic exercise; incontinence; functioning in daily life
Hrčak ID:
251438
URI
Publication date:
3.2.2021.
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