Effects of resistance exercise and creatine supplementation on myasthenia gravis: a case study

Purpose: The purpose of this case study was to determine the effects of 15 wk of resistance exercise and creatine (Cr) supplementation on body composi tion, training volume, peak strength, and complete blood chemistry in a pat ient with myasthenia gravis (MG). Methods: The patient was a 26-yr-old man who was taking prednisone and azathioprine for his condition. The patient s elf-administered 5 g of Cr per day in addition to resistance exercise 3 tim es per week. Easting blood samples were obtained and body weight (BW) and f at free mass (FFM; via hydrostatic weighing) were measured before and after training and Cr supplementation. In addition, isokinetic (Cybex II) peak s trength for leg extension (LE), leg flexion (LF), and volume load (repetiti on x mass lifted) for the first and last resistance training session were d etermined. Results: After Cr supplementation and training, the results demo nstrated increases in BW (6.8%), FFM (4.3%), upper body volume load (37.0%) , lower body volume load (15.0%), and peak strength for LE (37.0%) and LF ( 12.5%). Moreover, blood chemistry values remained within normal limits for the duration of the 15-wk study. Conclusion: These data suggest that resist ance exercise plus Cr supplementation may promote gains in strength and FFM in patients with MG.