Myositis Track
ViP
Vinik-Papachristos Protocol
Duration
24 weeks · Foundation, Loading, Integration
Structure
Progressive, 3 phases over 6 months
Delivery
Virtual
About this protocol
ViP is FlareForward's six-month rehabilitation programme for idiopathic inflammatory myopathies — dermatomyositis, polymyositis, immune-mediated necrotizing myopathy, anti-synthetase syndrome, inclusion body myositis, and overlap syndromes. Delivered across three progressive phases (Foundation, Loading, Integration), it targets four functional domains: sit-to-stand transfers, cervical neck strengthening, shoulder girdle strengthening with PNF patterns and scapular stabilization, and stair negotiation. It is the most mature protocol in the portfolio, with complete clinician documentation, patient home-exercise materials, and exercise diagrams.
Clinical authors
- Angelo Papachristos, PT, ACPAC
- Dr. Ophir Vinik, MD
Evidence base
ViP is derived from systematic review and randomized controlled trial evidence in Idiopathic Inflammatory Myopathies (IIM). Protocol parameters — phase structure, load progression, and outcome measures — align with EULAR, ACR, and ASAS exercise-therapy recommendations. Outcome tracking favours open-access PROMIS instruments where validated equivalents exist.
View the evidence library →Outcome measures
- 30-Second Chair Stand Test
- Timed 10-Step Stair Climb
- Manual Muscle Test (MMT-8)
- Neck Flexor Endurance (chin-tuck hold)
- Shoulder Flexion / Abduction Arc (goniometry)
- Creatine Kinase (CK), 48h post-exercise
- Fatigue Score (0–10 NRS)
PROMIS short forms are free, NIH-developed measures used in place of paid legacy instruments.
What's included
- Virtual assessment with a certified exercise therapist
- Personalised programme plan
- Live-virtual group or individual sessions
- Asynchronous guided home programme
- Regular ePRO check-ins with adaptive progression
- Care coordinator support
- Programme completion report
Interested in this protocol?
Speak to us about adding ViP to your PSP or benefits plan.
Request a pilotFor patients