Muscle Strength and Exercise Capacity in Sarcoidosis Patients

Exercise Capacity, Muscle Strength and Fatigue in Sarcoidosis: a Two-year Follow-up Study

The aim of this study is to examine exercise capacity, muscle strength and fatigue in sarcoidosis. In this longitudinal study the changes in prevalence of exercise intolerance, reduced muscle strength and fatigue will be established in a two-year follow-up. Also the relation between these physical impairments in time and other clinical parameters, such as QOL, will be established.

The aim of this study is to examine exercise capacity, muscle strength and fatigue in sarcoidosis. In this longitudinal study the changes in prevalence of exercise intolerance, reduced muscle strength and fatigue will be established in a two-year follow-up. Also the relation between these physical impairments in time and other clinical parameters, such as QOL, will be established.

Study design: sarcoidosis patients referred to the ild care team of outpatient clinic of the department of Respiratory Medicine of the MUMC and also participated in the baseline study between November 2008 and September 2009 will be included in this longitudinal study. A six-minute walk test and peripheral muscle strength measurements (included in the regular clinical work-up of sarcoidosis patients) will be performed under supervision of a physical therapist at the department of physical therapy of the MUMC. Moreover, the patients will be asked to complete the WHOQOL-bref questionnaire and the Fatigue Assessment Scale. A maximum of 124 patients will be included.

Inclusion Criteria:

• diagnosed sarcoidosis according to WASOG/ATS/ERS guidelines

Exclusion Criteria:

• not being able to walk