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Integrating Art Therapy and Adapted Physical Activity: Toward Improved Quality of Life in Patients With Myasthenia Gravis
Sponsor: Universite du Littoral Cote d'Opale
Summary
Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is a rare neuromuscular disease characterized by fluctuating muscle weakness and excessive fatigability. Although medical treatments have improved, MG continues to significantly impact patients' physical, emotional, and social well-being. Current care primarily focuses on symptom management, often overlooking the broader psychosocial needs of patients. This study explores an innovative and holistic approach combining Adapted Physical Activity (APA) and Art Therapy (AT) to improve quality of life in adults with MG. The intervention includes two 6-week phases in a crossover design: one with APA alone and one combining APA with personalized AT sessions focused on body awareness, movement, and creative expression. The investigators hypothesize that the addition of AT to a standardized APA program will significantly enhance patients' engagement and well-being, resulting in improved quality of life, reduced fatigue, and better mental health outcomes. A total of 102 adult participants will be recruited from several hospitals in northern France (Lille, Dunkerque, Calais, Boulogne-sur-Mer, and Saint-Omer). Participants will be randomly assigned to begin with either APA alone or APA+AT. All interventions are tailored to the specific needs of MG patients and will be delivered both in person and online, depending on participant needs. Outcomes will be evaluated using standardized questionnaires (e.g., MG-QOL15, FSS, HADS), physical performance tests (e.g., handgrip strength, sit-to-stand), and accelerometry. Qualitative data will be collected through semi-structured interviews, ethnographic observations and art based research to better understand patients' experiences. The study has received ethical approval from the French National Ethics Committee (CPP) and involves minimal risk. Participation is voluntary, with no financial compensation. This protocol may pave the way for broader application of APA+AT models in other rare or chronic conditions that involve fluctuating fatigue and psychosocial complexity.
Key Details
Gender
All
Age Range
18 Years - Any
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Enrollment
102
Start Date
2025-11-01
Completion Date
2028-10-30
Last Updated
2025-08-15
Healthy Volunteers
No
Conditions
Interventions
Adapted Physical Activity Only
This intervention consists of 10 individual Adapted Physical Activity (APA) sessions over five weeks, each lasting 45 to 60 minutes. Sessions are delivered by a trained APA instructor and focus on muscle strengthening, endurance, and body awareness. Exercises are tailored to the functional capacities and fatigability of patients living with Myasthenia Gravis. The delivery format includes a mix of in-person and remote sessions, with individualized adaptation based on patient needs.
Adapted Physical Activity + Art Therapy
This intervention includes 10 individualized sessions of APA integrated with movement-based Art Therapy, delivered over five weeks (45-60 minutes each). The program incorporates creative and expressive methods (e.g., role play, improvisation, dramatized movement, dramatherapy) within a therapeutic physical activity framework. It is designed to support both physical functioning and psychosocial well-being. The artistic dimension is adapted to the patients' preferences and capacities, as identified during the baseline anamnesis interview.
Locations (1)
Lille University Hospital
Lille, Hauts-de-France, France