Respiratory Muscle Strength and Aerobic Capacity in Scleroderma

Investigation of Respiratory Muscle Strength and Aerobic Capacity in Patients With Scleroderma

Primary aim of this study was to compare respiratory muscle strength, aerobic capacity, dyspnea, pulmonary function tests and fatigue values with healthy controls. The secondary aim was to evaluate the relationship between respiratory muscle strength and other parameters in these patients and to examine the factors that may affect respiratory muscle strength. Respiratory muscle strength, aerobic capacity, respiratory function tests and fatigue will be evaluated

Scleroderma is a systemic connective tissue disease characterized by progressive thickening of the skin, the etiology of which has not been fully elucidated, in which microvascular damage, immune activation and fibrosis play a role. Primary aim of this study was to compare respiratory muscle strength, aerobic capacity, dyspnea, pulmonary function tests and fatigue values with healthy controls. The secondary aim was to evaluate the relationship between respiratory muscle strength and other parameters in these patients and to examine the factors that may affect respiratory muscle strength. The study will include 15 patients and 15 healthy individuals of the same age and gender. Respiratory muscle strength, aerobic capacity, respiratory function tests and fatigue will be evaluated

Inclusion Criteria:

• Being diagnosed with Ssk according to ACR/EULAR criteria
• Stable medical treatment for 3 months

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having a regular exercise habit (doing regular exercise at least once a week for the last 3 months)
• Comorbidity with another chronic disease that may affect aerobic capacity or respiratory muscle strength
• Having concomitant acute respiratory diseases
• Having a smoking habit
• History of orthopedic or neurologic disease in the lower extremities that may prevent cycling