Muscle function in women with systemic sclerosis: Association with fatigue and general physical function

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Neurology
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is associated with muscle weakness and atrophy, negatively affecting quality of life.
• Peripheral muscle dysfunction in SSc contributes to limitations in physical function and overall well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess peripheral knee muscle performance in women with SSc using isokinetic dynamometry.
• To correlate muscle dysfunction with disability and fatigue levels in SSc patients.

Main Methods:

• Isokinetic dynamometry of the knee at 75°/s and 240°/s was performed on 26 women with SSc and 26 controls.
• Handgrip strength, Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI), and fatigue scales (FACIT-Fatigue, FIS) were assessed.

Main Results:

• SSc patients demonstrated significantly reduced isokinetic parameters compared to controls.
• A significant proportion of SSc patients showed impaired agonist/antagonist ratios, linked to lower handgrip strength and worse fatigue scores.
• Isokinetic measures correlated with handgrip strength and HAQ-DI scores.

Conclusions:

• Women with SSc exhibit decreased muscle strength, endurance, and quadriceps-hamstring imbalance.
• Knee muscle dysfunction in SSc is associated with reduced handgrip strength and greater physical incapacity.