The Impact of Resistance Exercise Program on Muscle Strength, Functional Performance, and Quality of Life in Patients...

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic exercises in improving muscle strength, functional status, and quality of life in patients receiving high-dose glucocorticoid therapy, which is known to cause muscle weakness and atrophy.

This randomized, controlled, single-center study included 40 participants aged 18-65 years who received high-dose glucocorticoids due to chronic rheumatologic conditions, and the patients were divided into 2 groups: an exercise group and a control group. The exercise group performed lower-extremity resistance exercises for 3 months. The exercise program consisted of squats, seated leg extensions, seated leg curls, hip abductions, and seated calf raises performed 5 days per week. Functional assessments included the 6-minute walk test, the Five Times Sit To Stand Test, and the Timed Up and Go Test. Muscle strength was measured using a dynamometer, quality of life was assessed with the Short Form Health Survey questionnaire, and the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the rectus femoris muscle was evaluated via B-mode ultrasound. Patients were assessed at baseline and after 3 months of treatment.

Twenty patients were included in each group, with no significant differences in baseline characteristics. Compared with the control group, a significant increase was observed in knee extension strength (P = .00 for right and left knees) and quality of life in terms of physical function in the exercise group. However, no significant differences were found in the 6-minute walk test, the Five Times Sit To Stand Test, the Timed Up and Go Test, or the rectus femoris muscle CSA.

In patients with rheumatologic diseases treated with highdose glucocorticoids, resistance exercise therapy can increase knee extension strength and quality of life in terms of physical function. Cite this article as: Karacaatlı M, Abacar K, Karabacak M, et al. The impact of resistance exercise program on muscle strength, functional performance, and quality of life in patients with rheumatologic disease receiving high-dose glucocorticoids treatment: A randomized trial. ArchRheumatol. 2026;41(1):40-46.