Exploring the feasibility of an exercise programme including aerobic and resistance training in people with limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis

Abstract

Objectives It is suggested that exercise can improve the vascular function and quality of life (QoL) in people with systemic sclerosis (SSc), potentially offering clinical benefits to this population. Yet the feasibility of such an intervention remains untested. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to examine the feasibility of a combined exercise protocol (aerobic and resistance training) in people with limited cutaneous SSc (lcSSc). Methods Thirty-two lcSSc patients (66.5 ± 12 years old) were randomly allocated in two groups (exercise and control group). The exercise group underwent a 12-week exercise programme, twice per week. All patients performed the baseline, three-and six-month follow-up measurements where functional ability, body composition and QoL were assessed. Participants' experiences were explored through interviews. Results Compliance was 92.6% with no dropouts. The individuals' confidence to participate in the study's exercise protocol for twice per week was 95%. The average value for the physical activity enjoyment scale was 103 ± 10 out of 119 (highest score). The mean values for the intention to engage in exercise twice per week were 6.4 ± 1 (likely) out of 7 (very likely). QoL for the exercise group showed to have a better life satisfaction, less anxiety and Raynaud's phenomenon-accompanied pain. Conclusions Our results suggest that a combined exercise protocol was feasible for people with lcSSc, with no adverse events, resulting in high adherence and low attrition rates, high enjoyment levels and intentions for future engagement to this exercise. Thus, the specific protocol is a safe adjunct therapy for people with lcSSc. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT number): NCT03058887, February 23, 2017, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/ NCT03058887?term=NCT03058887&rank=1Key Points • High-intensity interval training in combination with resistance training constitutes a feasible exercise protocol for people with lcSSc.• Overall, the exercise programme demonstrated high adherence and enjoyment levels and low attrition rates. • The exercise protocol was proved to be safe with no adverse events for people with lcSSc.

The Wound Healing Effect of Nanoclay, Collagen, and Tadalafil in Diabetic Rats: An In Vivo Study

“…Recently, HIIT has received great consideration for its impact on improving superior vascular function improvements compared to continuous training with moderate intensity in healthy people and several clinical patients containing metabolic syndrome, heart failure, and obesity [8]. Despite HIIT improvement effects on vascular function in a patient with systemic limited cutaneous sclerosis [9], its special effects on skin remain untested. New therapeutic approaches such as extracellular matrix proteins, bioengineered skin substitutes, negative pressure wound therapy, and growth factors have been indicated as adjunctive treatments for wounds [10].…”

Suitability for e-health of non-pharmacological interventions in connective tissue diseases: scoping review with a descriptive analysis

“…After exclusion of duplicates and title/abstract screening, 226 studies were analysed in full text. One hundred and nineteen papers comprising 113 studies (six studies were published in two articles each [29][30][31][32][33][34][35][36][37][38][39][40] ) were used for this scoping review. The PRISMA flow chart of the study selection is depicted in figure 1.…”

Cardiovascular Effect of Physical Exercise on Primary Sjogren's Syndrome (pSS): Randomized Trial

“…In our study, however, the exercise program we designed followed the first two parameters, but the frequency was below the recommended minimum, (three times a week) because of the availability of volunteers ( 47 ). Even so, it was possible to promote the improvement of aerobic capacity, which has already been seen in patients with limited cutaneous Systemic Sclerosis ( 48 ).…”