Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026

Imaging Features of Systemic Sclerosis-Associated Interstitial Lung Disease
Published on: June 16, 2020
Reduced muscle strength, exercise intolerance and disabling symptoms in sarcoidosis
Rik G J Marcellis1, Antoine F Lenssen, Jolanda de Vries
1Department of Physical Therapy, Maastricht University Medical Centre (MUMC), Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Purpose Of Review:
This review focuses on innovations in the field of assessment and treatment of muscle weakness and exercise intolerance in sarcoidosis and the association between these and fatigue, dyspnea and quality of life (QoL).
Recent Findings:
Muscle strength and exercise intolerance are prevalent in patients with sarcoidosis. Exercise testing can be used to identify the presence of strength deficits and exercise intolerance. Routinely performed clinical tests, including lung function tests and imaging methods, are only weakly related to these nonspecific health complaints. Assessment of exercise capacity might also be useful for the early detection of parenchymal involvement and diagnosis of sarcoidosis-associated pulmonary hypertension. Both muscle weakness and exercise intolerance have been suggested as underlying causes of fatigue and dyspnea complaints, resulting in reduced QoL. Research is required to find out whether a multidisciplinary rehabilitation program is of clinical benefit in the management of sarcoidosis patients.
Summary:
This review underlines the added value of physical testing in the management of sarcoidosis patients, especially in those with unexplained physical complaints.
Related Concept Videos
Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle
Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders involve injuries and conditions affecting the skeletal muscles and associated connective tissues. These disorders can arise from acute biomechanical stresses or chronic overuse and can occur across different age groups. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and muscular strains, often resulting from...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-III: Symptoms and Complications.
Symptoms of COPD can be classified as primary or systemic. Primary symptoms relate to reduced airflow, while systemic or extrapulmonary symptoms relate to COPD's broader impact on the body.
Primary Symptoms of COPD:
Cardiomyopathy IV: Restrictive Cardiomyopathy
COPD: Management Using Bronchodilators and Corticosteroids
Myasthenia Gravis: Overview and Treatment
These antibodies interfere with the function of the nicotinic receptors in three ways: by binding to the receptor and disrupting acetylcholine binding; by causing cross-linking of receptors which leads...
Cross-bridge Cycle