--Disease Characteristics-- Facioscapulohumeral dystrophy Weakness of the facial muscles, including frontalis, orbicularis oculi, or orbicularis oris Weakness of scapular stabilizers or foot dorsiflexors Weakness of grade 2 or worse in the arm using the upper extremity grading scale No other neuromuscular diseases that may mimic the clinical presentation of facioscapulohumeral dystrophy: Ptosis or ophthalmoparesis (other than congenital strabismus) Elbow contractures Strictly unilateral weakness Dermatomyositis-like skin rash Symmetric distal sensory loss Muscle biopsy findings of mitochondrial myopathy, chronic denervation, dermatomyositis, inclusion body myositis, or congenital myopathy Electromyographic (EMG) findings of myotonia, fasciculations, or neurogenic motor unit potentials --Prior/Concurrent Therapy-- Endocrine therapy: No prior long term use of oral corticosteroids for more than 1 year At least 3 months since prior use of corticosteroids No concurrent use of immunosuppressive agents Surgery: No concurrent surgeries Other: No concurrent use of sympathomimetic agents, antidepressants, or beta receptor blockers --Patient Characteristics-- Age: 18 to 80 Performance status: Ambulatory Cardiovascular: No cardiovascular disease, including hypertension and coronary artery disease Other: Not pregnant or nursing No concurrent uncontrolled medical or psychological condition