Exercise tolerance and thoracic mobility of patients with systemic scleroderma

Abstract

Aim: To analyze the exercise tolerance and thoracic mobility of patients with systemic scleroderma treated at the Department of Dermatology of the PIM of the Ministry of Internal Medicine after 2 years of individually tailored rehabilitation. Materials and Methods: The study group consisted of 55 patients aged 27 years to 80 (mean 56.4) with systemic scleroderma, who receive rheological treatment in the Department of Dermatology on a cyclical basis. In addition, the therapy was supported by individually tailored rehabilitation for 2 years. Before and after the therapy was completed, the results of the study were analyzed. Forty-two patients completed the project. Results: The results of the 6-minute walk test improved over the course of the project. More than half of the patients obtained results within the normal range 57.1% of the patients improved their results by completing the test compared to the beginning of the study. On the other hand, the chest circumference values obtained allow us to conclude that its momentum decreased after 2 years of rehabilitation. Conclusions: When interpreting the result of the 6-minute test measurements, it is also necessary to take into account gait altered by changes in the skin of the feet and limitations due to muscle function. The study also shows a significant reduction in joint mobility under the influence of the lesioned skin and subcutaneous tissue.