Effectiveness of Tai Chi Exercise Program in Scleroderma Patients

Investigation of the Effectiveness of Tai Chi Exercise Program on Trunk Endurance, Balance, Sleep, Fatigue, Anxiety and Depression in Scleroderma Patients: A Randomized Controlled Study

Because of multiple system involvement, patients with Scleroderma have complaints such as fatigue, sleep disturbances, functional limitations, skin deformations, pain, swollen hands and joint pain. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of Tai Chi exercise program on trunk endurance, balance, sleep, fatigue, anxiety and depression in patients with scleroderma.

In the study, which will be planned as a randomized controlled parallel group, the effects of Tai Chi in SS patients are compared with the home exercise group. Evaluations before and after the treatment will make by a physiotherapist. Training of Tai Chi will supervised by an experienced and certified physiotherapist.

Lateral Bridge Test , Berg Balance Scale, Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index , Fatigue Severity Scale and Fatigue Impact Scale , Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale will be used evaluation before and after training.

Inclusion Criteria:

• have been diagnosed with scleroderma,
• have been sedentary (have not routinely participated in exercise activities during the past 3 months)
• have been using a fixed dose of medication for at least 6 months
• no communication problems
• having stable disease

Exclusion Criteria:

• a diagnosis of pulmonary hypertension
• a history of active infection, cardiac involvement, psychiatric disorder, a history of active myositis, renal failure, metastatic cancer, pregnancy
• Data of the participant whose changes were made during the study are not included in this study and participation is terminated.