Do functionality, strength, vascularization, inflammatory and biopsychosocial status improve by biopsychosocial...

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Exercise Physiology
• Biopsychosocial Health

Background:

• Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune disease impacting skin, joints, and internal organs.
• Limited non-pharmacological interventions exist to improve SSc patient outcomes.
• A supervised biopsychosocial model-based exercise intervention, the Cognitive Exercise Therapy Approach (BETY), was developed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effects of the Cognitive Exercise Therapy Approach (BETY) on SSc patients.
• To assess improvements in functionality, muscle strength, vascularization, and anti-inflammatory and biopsychosocial status.

Main Methods:

• A 3-month study comparing BETY group exercise (n=20) with a home exercise program (n=17).
• Utilized assessments including mRSS, SHAQ, mHAMIS, 6-MWT, isokinetic dynamometry, Shear Wave Elastography, ELISA, and questionnaires (BETY-BQ, HADS, SF-36).

Main Results:

• The BETY group showed significant improvements in SHAQ, mHAMIS, 6-MWT, BETY-BQ, HADS, and SF-36 scores.
• The control group experienced worsening in SHAQ and HADS scores.
• While muscle strength improved in the BETY group, changes in inflammatory markers and vascular parameters showed significant differences between groups.

Conclusions:

• BETY is a recommended non-pharmacological approach for managing SSc.
• Supervised exercise interventions can positively impact SSc patient functionality and well-being.
• Further research into BETY's specific mechanisms on vascularization and inflammation is warranted.