Patients with inclusion body myositis, or chronic, progressive muscle inflammation, were at one time discouraged from active exercise because of a fear of increased muscle inflammation. Instead they were advised to rest, perform range of motion exercises and, in some cases, to do isometric exercises. However, a study entitled "The Role of Exercise in the Rehabilitation of Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies" published in Current Opinion in Rheumatology in March 17th, 2009 noted a reduced disability in patients with chronic dermatomyositis following resistive mild to intensive muscular training and aerobic endurance training, without signs of increased muscle inflammation.
Step 1
Plan a 12-week exercise program on a calendar, with five days of activity on and two days of rest in between, suggests the "Journal of Rehabilitative Medicine." Create a plan of activities from self-paced walking to resistance exercises focused on building muscles in the shoulders, hips, quads, neck and trunk.
Step 2
Use a cable machine and grab the two hand holds with each hand. Apply minimal weight to start, then press the resisted cables up and above your forehead for two counts, then return back to a neutral state, with your hands at shoulder height, palms facing in front of your body. Complete 12 repetitions over three separate sets, and rest for 60 seconds in between your sets.
Step 3
Lower the cable levers to the ground on each side of the cable machine. Grab the two hand holds separately in each hand, then lower your body towards the floor by bending your knees in a 90-degree angle in a squatting position. Bring your hands up to your shoulders, then press the resistance up to the ceiling with your whole body. Use your quads as the main muscle activator, and keep your hands stationary at your shoulders. Return to the lower position, then complete 11 more repetitions over three separate sets. Rest for 60 seconds in between your sets.
Step 4
Lift the cable levers up to the top of the machine. Get close to the right cable specifically, and kneel to the floor. Grab hold of the cable with both hands, stay on your knees, then draw the cable to the floor using your core as the lever. Pull the cable using your abs, to the floor, then return to a straight posture. Complete 20 repetitions for three sets. Add weight over the three sets if you feel comfortable with the increased resistance.
Step 5
Take a self-paced walk for 15 minutes. Try to walk at a pace that raises your heart rate to 50 to 60 percent of your maximum heart rate. Walk up hills and down hills to reap the greatest, muscle-building results possible. Use caution and listen to your body, as not to overdo any activity.
Things You'll Need
- Calendar
- Cable resistance machine
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