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Quantitative assessments of the effects of a single exercise session on muscles in juvenile dermatomyositis
Susan M Maillard1, Rodney Jones, Catherine M Owens
1Juvenile Dermatomyositis Research Centre, Institute of Child Health, University College of London, London, United Kingdom. S.Maillard@ich.ucl.ac.uk
Insights
A single exercise session did not alter muscle inflammation in children with juvenile dermatomyositis (juvenile DM) or healthy peers. This suggests moderate exercise is safe for juvenile DM patients in the short term.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Rheumatology
- Exercise Physiology
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Juvenile dermatomyositis (juvenile DM) is an autoimmune disease causing muscle inflammation.
- The safety and effects of exercise in children with juvenile DM require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the immediate and short-term effects of a standardized exercise program on muscle inflammation in children with active juvenile DM, inactive juvenile DM, and healthy controls.
Main Methods:
- Participants included children with active juvenile DM, inactive juvenile DM, and healthy controls.
- Muscle strength, function, and MRI T2-weighted relaxation time were assessed before and after exercise.
- Blood inflammatory markers were analyzed in juvenile DM patients post-exercise.
Main Results:
- No significant changes in muscle inflammation (MRI, myometry, blood markers) were observed immediately or up to 60 minutes post-exercise in any group.
- Exercise did not exacerbate muscle inflammation in children with active or inactive juvenile DM.
Conclusions:
- A single bout of exercise does not acutely increase muscle inflammation in children with juvenile DM.
- Moderate exercise programs appear to be safe for children diagnosed with juvenile dermatomyositis.
Objective:
To investigate the short-term effects of exercise on muscle inflammation in children with juvenile dermatomyositis (juvenile DM). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), muscle strength, and blood parameters were used as outcome measures.
Methods:
Children with active juvenile DM, inactive juvenile DM, and healthy children were assessed for muscle strength (using myometry) and function, and MRI T2-weighted relaxation time measurement; blood was obtained from patients with juvenile DM. A standardized physiotherapy-led exercise program was completed, and the MRI was performed immediately afterwards. All children were reassessed with myometry and MRI at 30 minutes and 60 minutes, and repeat blood tests were performed at 60 minutes for the patients with juvenile DM.
Results:
Ten children with active juvenile DM, 10 with inactive juvenile DM, and 20 healthy controls completed the study. Muscle inflammation assessed by MRI, myometry, and blood parameters did not change significantly in response to exercise either immediately after or up to 60 minutes after the exercise program in any group.
Conclusion:
In the short term, a single bout of exercise does not change the degree of inflammation within the muscles of children with active or inactive juvenile DM or in healthy children. The data suggest that, at least in this time period, there is no evidence that exercise increases the inflammation within the muscles. We propose therefore that a moderate exercise program is safe for children with juvenile DM.
