Physical Exercise as a Targeted Therapy in Patients With Chronic Rheumatic Muscle Inflammation

Physical Exercise as a Targeted Therapy in Patients With Chronic Rheumatic Muscle Inflammation

The objectives of this study are to test if hypoxia in muscle tissue is an important factor contributing to clinical symptoms in chronic rheumatic muscle inflammation and to evaluate if a 12 week endurance exercise program will improve muscle tissue hypoxia and disability in patients with chronic rheumatic muscle inflammation.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with chronic, stable polymyositis or dermatomyositis with diagnosis of definite or probable polymyositis or dermatomyositis (Bohan and Peter 1975)
• Age 18-80 years
• Duration since diagnosis > 6 months
• Exercising < once a week,
• Stable disease activity and medication for at least one month.

Ten healthy controls matched for age, gender and physical exercise level will be included.

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Exclusion Criteria:

• Severe pulmonary fibrosis
• Heart or lung conditions that contraindicate vigorous exercise
• Severe osteoporosis
• Not being able to perform the exercise program.