Most health care professionals and experts recommend frequent exercise for optimal health; however, for people with myasthenia gravis, exercise may be difficult, painful or downright impossible. While the elliptical machine does offer a low-stress, low-impact workout, only your doctor can tell you whether it's safe based on your symptoms.
Myasthenia Gravis
Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune disease that affects your muscles. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NINDS, your immune system produces antibodies that prevent your nerve impulses from reaching your muscles. As a result, the number one symptom is muscle weakness, most often in the eyes, face and throat. People with severe myasthenia gravis may experience difficulty breathing, an unstable stride and overall muscular weakness in the arms, hands and legs.
Treatments
NINDS reports that most cases of myasthenia gravis can be controlled with drugs that keep your body from producing the harmful antibodies, build muscle strength and strengthen communication between your nerves and muscles. Blood treatments, such as an infusion of blood containing the proper antibodies, can often help, if only on a temporary basis. In some cases, removing the thymus gland reduces or removes symptoms of myasthenia gravis.
Exercise with Myasthenia Gravis
One of the frustrating components of myasthenia gravis is the tendency of symptoms to come and go. Some days you may feel capable of exercising, while on others a simple walk to the mailbox may leave you extremely fatigued. For this reason, only your doctor can advise you on how and when to exercise. Together, you can set up guidelines on how much exercise is healthy for you and under what circumstances you should attempt it.
Elliptical Machines
If your doctor approves, the elliptical machine may be a good way to build an exercise regimen. Because muscular weakness can lead to falls and injuries, the Myasthenia Gravis Foundation of America, Inc. offers a few suggestions for staying safe. You can apply these suggestions when selecting an elliptical machine. First, look for non-skid foot panels. You won't need to lift your feet off the panels to use an elliptical, so there's less danger of falling than there is with a treadmill. Similarly, the foundation suggests you install grab bars wherever necessary. Many ellipticals offer two sets of grab bars --- one set that moves and one that's stationary. Be sure you use the stationary set for extra support.
Exercise Tips
According to the Australian Myasthenic Association in New South Wales, exercising is especially important for myasthenia gravis sufferers on prescription steroids, as these can cause weight gain. The most important part of exercise is listening to your body in order to avoid overexertion. If you feel fatigued, take a break to rest. Stay hydrated and avoid overheating --- both heat and stress can worsen your symptoms. If at any time you feel short of breath, stop exercising. If resting doesn't improve your ability to breathe, seek medical help as soon as possible.
