SAT0723-HPR INVESTIGATION OF FUNCTIONAL CAPACITY AND AFFECTING FACTORS IN SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS PATIENTS

Background Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) is a rare, systemic connective tissue disease characterized by widespread microvascular damage and by increased production and deposition of extracellular matrix components both in the skin and internal organs (1). Objectives The aim of this study was to investigate the functional capacity and affecting factors in SSc patients. Methods Twenty-two SSc patients were included in the study. Functional capacities of patients were measured by 6 Minute Walking Test (6MWT). Lung volumes (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEF, VC) were performed with Pulmonary function tests-PFT. Respiratory muscle strength was evaluated with a muscle inspiratory pressure(MIP)-muscle expiratory pressure(MEP) modulated spirometer known as respiratory muscle strength meter. Peripheral muscle strengths (deltoid, biceps, quadriceps and iliopsoas muscles) were also evaluated with manual muscle strength meter. Results The mean age of the patients was 52.00±11.23 years and duration of diagnosis was 7.63±4.86 years. The patients’ mean 6DWT distance was 430.40±50.25 meters, FEV1% were 78.52±22. 23 L, FVC% were 80.95±23.02 L, FEV1/FVC% were 102.56±9.58 L, VC% values were 72.95±22.75 L, MIP% were 54.27±34.85 L, and MEP% values were 56.59±3.56. The mean deltoid muscle strength of the patients was 5.88±1.26 kg, biceps were 6.48±1.68 kg, quadriceps were 6.06±1.55 kg, iliopsoas were 5.93±1.74 kg. It was found that there was a significant correlation between 6MWT distance and VC (p =0.009, r = 0.529), FEV1 (p =0.001, r = 0.659), FVC (p =0.005, r = 0.568), MIP (p =0.014, r = 0.506) and MEP (p =0.036, r = 0.449). There was significant correlation between the 6MWT distance and Deltoideus (p =0.024, r = 0.470), Biceps (p =0.001, r = 0.646), Quadriceps (p<0.001, r = 0.679) and İliopsoas (p=0.004, r = 0.576) muscles strengths. Conclusion The decrease in the functional capacity of the patients is accompanied by a decrease in pulmonary function, loss of respiratory and peripheral muscle strength in parallel. 6-min walk test showed negative effects in the pulmonary and musculoskeletal system or in the patients’ clinic on SSc patients. To evaluate and improve functional capacity while performing medical and rehabilitation follow-up, respiratory functions, respiratory and peripheral muscle strengths should be evaluated and improved. Reference [1] Hinchcliff, M., & Varga, J. (2008). Systemic sclerosis/scleroderma: A treatable multisystem disease. American Family Physician, 78(8), 961–968. Disclosure of Interests None declared