Abstract
Dermatomyositis (DM) and polymyositis (PM) are rare systemic autoimmune diseases characterized by progressive and predominantly proximal member muscle weakness. In addition, they may present with cutaneous (DM), cardiorespiratory and gastrointestinal tract involvement. Metabolic syndrome (MS) is a group of diseases characterized by changes in fasting glucose, central obesity, dyslipidemia and hypertension. Patients with DM/PM show a significant prevalence of MS and diabetes mellitus, and, consequently, a high risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). These conditions are associated to atherosclerosis, endothelial dysfunction and decreased arterial distensibility (measured by flow wave velocity - FWV). In fact, according to the literature, patients with DM/PM show an impaired endothelial function and arterial stiffness. Exercise training has been an important tool for improving physical capacity, endothelial function and arterial stiffness in patients with systemic autoimmune diseases. However, to our knowledge, there are no studies evaluating the endothelial function and arterial distensibility in patients with DM/PM submitted to exercise training, which motivated us to conduct this study.It is possible, like shown in other systemic autoimmune diseases, that exercise training will improve physical capacity, endothelial function and arterial stiffness in patients with DM/PM, which in turn, contributes to a reduction in CVD risk factors. (AU)
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