Polymyositis - training tips/reasons to avoid compound movements?

Hi, I’m hoping I can present this in such a way that you dare comment/provide insight. I understand the obvious issue regarding giving online medical advice, but would really appreciate… anything, here :slight_smile:

My mom, 65 years old, until now extremely healthy, on zero medications, has seen quite rapid muscle strength loss. She finally got it checked, and while not totally clear yet, it would seem she has Polymyositis, a type of chronic inflammation of the muscles, which will probably be treated with Prednisone and immunosuppressants. It might be auto-immune.

Would I be crazy/stupid/giving bad advice, if I convince her that compound movements, lifting Starting Strength-style (needless to say, progressing with great care, not pushing it), would be a most excellent way to try to regain the strength lost (possible waiting for the inflammation to succumb first)?

I suspect that if I don’t do anything, she will at best be given way less effective exercises to work with, by a PT, will not regain as much strength as she could do, and as a result live her final years weaker than she needs to, being more limited.

Thanks! Trying to look out for my mom, and my lifting hobby seems to put me in a good spot to give her really good advice, unless someone tells me not to, that this is a rare case where compound movement resistance training, with progression, is not the answer. :open_mouth:

If her disease is well controlled on her current medications, she can train with the precautions you described. I would not have her train within several days of any planned blood draw by her doctors, as they will likely be monitoring things like CK levels as markers of disease activity … which can be acutely elevated from training and cause confusion.