Improved Exercise Tolerance and Lung Function in Women with LAM Following Three Months of Exercise Training

Abstract

Rationale: While exercise has been shown to improve respiratory symptoms, exercise tolerance, and bone mineral density in many populations, no supervised exercise training interventions have been undertaken in patients with lymphangioleiomyomatosis (LAM). Objectives: To assess the effects of a supervised exercise intervention on exercise tolerance, pulmonary function, and bone mineral density in patients with LAM. Methods: subjects with LAM (Sporadic LAM n=7; TS-LAM n=1) enrolled in the study. Subjects participated in two weekly supervised aerobic exercise training (50-60 minutes) at 80-85% heart rate max for 12 weeks. Heart rate and oxygen saturation levels were monitored throughout the intervention. Treadmill ergometry (VO2peak), spirometry (FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, FEV1 predicted, peak flow), and bone mineral density assessments were performed prior to and 12 weeks after initiation of intervention. Measurements and Main Results: After 12 weeks of supervised aerobic exercise training, group mean improvements were seen in all outcomes including VO2peak, FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, FEV1 predicted, peak flow, and whole body bone mineral density. Conclusions: Results from this study indicate that supervised exercise training can improve exercise tolerance, pulmonary function, and bone mineral density in patients with lymphangioleiomyomatosis. Further research is needed, including longitudinal studies with larger sample sizes, to determine long-term effects and consistency of these findings. Aerobic exercise may offer a viable alternative to, or work in conjunction with, pharmacological intervention in the treatment of lymphangioleiomyomatosis.