Peripherical Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in Systemic Autoimmune Myopathies

Peripherical Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation in Systemic Autoimmune Myopathies

Systemic autoimmune myopathies are a heterogeneous group of rheumatic diseases with progressive skeletal muscle weakness. The relevance of the peripherical neuromuscular electrical stimulation has never applied in the patients with systemic autoimmune myopathies. Therefore, the main objective of the present prospective, randomized, investigator-blind, placebo-controlled study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the application of an acute peripherical neuromuscular electrical stimulation session in patients with systemic autoimmune myopathies.

Systemic autoimmune myopathies are a heterogeneous group of rheumatic diseases that primarily affect the skeletal muscles. Despite these advances, this group of diseases still continues to be associated with high morbidity and functional disability, mainly due to the proximal muscular weakness of the scapular and pelvic girdles that may prevent the total recovery of these patients. On the other hand, the importance of the peripherical neuromuscular electrical stimulation has never applied in the patients with systemic autoimmune myopathies. Therefore, the main objective of the present prospective, randomized, investigator-blind, placebo-controlled study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the application of an acute peripherical neuromuscular electrical stimulation session in patients with systemic autoimmune myopathies.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Classification criteria - EULAR/ACR 2017
• Classification criteria - Connors et al.
• Objective muscle limb weakness

Exclusion Criteria:

• Neoplasia
• Using heart pacemarker
• Using visceral metalic clips
• Infections (HIV, HTLV-1, Hepatitis, etc)
• Pregnancy
• Previous historical of convulsions or epilepsies