Highlights
- •Systemic sclerosis patients were assessed using knee isokinetic dynamometry.
- •Systemic sclerosis patients have reduced strength and endurance.
- •Systemic sclerosis patients have an imbalance between the quadriceps and hamstrings.
- •Lower muscle strength of the knee joint is associated with lower handgrip strength.
- •Lower muscle strength of the knee joint is associated with physical incapacity.
Abstract
Background
Individuals with systemic sclerosis have muscle functions with varying degrees of
muscle weakness and atrophy, which in turn can have a negative impact on functional
and health-related quality of life. This study aimed to evaluate peripheral muscle
performance using isokinetic dynamometry of the knee in women with systemic sclerosis
and to correlate peripheral muscle dysfunction with disability levels and general
fatigue.
Methods
Twenty-six women with systemic sclerosis and a matched control group with an equal
number of women underwent knee isokinetic dynamometry at angular speeds of 75°/s and
240°/s, isometric handgrip strength, the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability
Index, the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue scale, and the
Fatigue Impact Scale.
Findings
Women with systemic sclerosis showed significant reductions in almost all isokinetic
parameters for the two angular velocities tested compared with the controls. An agonist/antagonist
ratio with values <40% was observed in approximately one-third of the patients. These patients had lower
isometric handgrip strength. These patients also performed worse on the two general
fatigue scales evaluated. Significant correlations were observed between the isokinetic
parameters and the measured isometric handgrip strength, and the Health Assessment
Questionnaire Disability Index.
Interpretation
Systemic sclerosis patients have reduced strength and endurance as well as a muscle
imbalance between the quadriceps and hamstrings. In these patients, lower muscle dysfunction
of the knee joint is associated with lower handgrip strength and physical incapacity.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: May 26, 2017
Accepted:
May 25,
2017
Received:
October 1,
2016
Identification
Copyright
© 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
