Intensive aerobic training improves motor performances and oxidative metabolism efficiency in chronic polymyositis: a case report.

We describe the case of a 64-year-old woman affected by chronic polymyositis with gait disturbance, fatty replacement and swelling of thigh muscles. She achieved significant clinical improvement after 5 weeks intensive aerobic training. In particular the patient improved in motor performance tests, showed an improvement in the efficiency of oxidative metabolism and quality of life. Furthermore, analysis of creatinephosphokinase levels showed a reduction of muscle damage susceptibility. In conclusion, a specific intensive exercise program can be safely used with beneficial effects on muscle function in patients with chronic polymyositis.