Effects of physical exercise programs on fatigue and functional capacity in people with Guillain-Barré Syndrome and Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy: A systematic review.

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the impact of physical activity programs on fatigue and functional capacity, in addition to other variables related to patient's health in people suffering GBS and CIDP through a systematic review.

Data sources: Four databases (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus and EBSCO) were searched according to PRISMA guidelines. The search was conducted from the inception until 01 of March 2025.

Data extraction: Data were extracted using Excel (v. 16051.17628.20144.0) and authors, country, year, study design, main variables, sample, intervention characteristics and primary outcomes of each article were used.

Study selection: Inclusion criteria focused on studies involving GBS and CIDP patients undergoing exercise programs lasting a minimum of three weeks. A total of 13 articles were analyzed (including case studies, randomized and no-randomized clinical trials, a prospective study, case series and a replicated single-case design), comprising 173 participants. Of these, five studies specifically included patients with CIDP, accounting for a total of 37 participants.

Data synthesis: The synthesis of the included studies indicates that multicomponent programs integrating resistance, aerobic, balance, and respiratory exercises are associated with improvements in fatigue and functional capacity, as well as other physical fitness variables. Furthermore, a pattern across the reviewed literature suggests that optimal results appear to be linked to supervised and individualized training sessions lasting 45-60 minutes, conducted 3-4 times per week for at least 12 weeks, although it must be noted that these findings were drawn from heterogeneous study designs.

Conclusions: Multicomponent exercise programmes appear to improve fatigue, functional capacity and physical fitness in patients with GBS and CIDP. Optimal benefits are associated with supervised and individualized sessions (45-60 minutes, 3-4 times per week for >12 weeks). These findings support structured training as a valuable component of these conditions.