Effects of Supervised Exercise Program and Home Exercise Program in Patients With Systemic Sclerosis: a Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract

Aim To compare the effects of supervised exercise and home exercise program in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Methods Thirty-seven SSc patients were included. Patients with SSc were allocated into 2 groups as supervised and home exercise. Breathing, aerobic and resistance exercises were performed with a physiotherapist for 12 weeks in the supervised exercise group. Breathing, posture and aerobic exercises were given to the home exercise group as a home program for 12 weeks. All patients were assessed at baseline and 12 weeks later in terms of functional capacity, pulmonary functions, respiratory-peripheral muscle strength, dyspnea severity, health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and fatigue level. Results Significant improvements were observed in the functional capacity, measured by 6 minute walking test in the supervised exercise group (before = 376.21 +/- 65.50, after = 518.78 +/- 75.84 m) and home exercise group (before = 384.44 +/- 68.14, after = 432.7 +/- 70.8 m; (P < .05). Respiratory-peripheral muscle strength (with the exception of inspiratory muscle strength and upper limb strength in the home exercise group) and HRQoL were significantly increased and fatigue level was significantly decreased in the supervised exercise and home exercise groups (P < .05). However, pulmonary functions and dyspnea severity were significantly improved only in the supervised exercise group (P < .05). The supervised exercise program was found superior to the home exercise program for change in all parameters (P < .05). Conclusion This study suggests that exercise interventions should be applied in addition to the medical treatments of patients with SSc as supervised and home exercise programs play an important role in the functionality and health status of these patients.