Aerobic training in persons who have recovered from juvenile dermatomyositis

A recent study has shown that 36 persons who had recovered from juvenile dermatomyositis (JDM) have on average an 18% decrease in maximal oxygen uptake. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of a 12-week aerobic training program in this group, and assess whether aerobic training can normalize aerobic capacity to the expected level for age and gender. The patients participating in the study, one male and nine females (16-42years of age), were in remission from JDM, defined as no clinical or biochemical evidence of disease activity and no medical treatment for 1year. The patients had a median disease duration of 3.4years (1.4-10.3), a median treatment duration of 2.4years (0.4-9.3) and a median duration of remission of 7.0years (1.2-30.0). Patients trained at home on a cycle ergometer for 12weeks at a heart rate interval corresponding to 65% of their maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max). VO2max and maximal workload (Wmax) were determined before and after the 12-week training period through an incremental cycling test to exhaustion. The patients served as their own controls. Eight patients with JDM in remission completed the 12-week exercise program; one patient completed 9weeks out of the 12-week program and one dropped out of the study. Training increased VO2max and Wmax by 26% and 30% (P