Background: Muscle dysfunction may cause disability and reduce the quality of life of patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) when compared to healthy individuals. However, the literature on the topic is scarce and uses several criteria for assessing muscle dysfunction in this population.

Objectives: To compare diaphragm and quadriceps muscle thickness, diaphragm mobility, and handgrip strength between patients with SSc and healthy individuals.

Method: This cross-sectional study included 16 patients with SSc and 16 self-reported healthy individuals matched for age. We assessed quadriceps and diaphragm thickness and diaphragmatic mobility (ultrasound), handgrip strength (hand-held dynamometer), and respiratory muscle strength (manovacuometer). Patients also responded to the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire.

Results: Patients with SSc presented lower quadriceps thickness (p < 0.0001), diaphragmatic mobility (p = 0.01), handgrip (p < 0.0001), and respiratory muscle strength (p < 0.0001) than healthy individuals. A moderate positive correlation was observed between handgrip strength and quadriceps thickness in patients with SSc (rho = 0.576; p = 0.02).

Conclusions: Patients with SSc presented reduced quadriceps thickness, diaphragmatic mobility, handgrip, and respiratory muscle strength when compared to healthy individuals Also, handgrip strength was correlated with quadriceps thickness in patients with SSc, suggesting that loss of muscle mass accompanies loss of peripheral muscle strength group of patients. Key Points • SSc patients presented reduced quadriceps thickness and diaphragmatic mobility • SSc patients have reduced handgrip and respiratory muscle strength • Lower handgrip muscle strength correlated with lower quadriceps thickness.

Download full-text PDF

Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10067-023-06812-4DOI Listing

Publication Analysis

Top Keywords

muscle strength
28
patients ssc
24
quadriceps thickness
24
respiratory muscle
20
healthy individuals
16
handgrip strength
16
diaphragmatic mobility
16
handgrip respiratory
12
patients
12
thickness diaphragmatic
12

Similar Publications

Rapid Preparation of Collagen/Red Blood Cell Membrane Tubes for Stenosis-Free Vascular Regeneration.

ACS Nano

January 2025

Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Smart Healthcare Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Biomaterials, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088 Xueyuan Road, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518055, PR China.

Extracellular matrix (ECM)-based small-diameter vascular grafts (SDVGs, inner diameter (ID) < 6 mm) hold great promise for clinical applications. However, existing ECM-based SDVGs suffer from limited donor availability, complex purification, high cost, and insufficient mechanical properties. SDVGs with ECM-like structure and function, and good mechanical properties were rapidly prepared by optimizing common materials and preparation, which can improve their clinical prospects.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Prior research indicates that engaging in physical activity during chemotherapy can positively influence both physical and psychological parameters in individuals with hematological neoplasms. However, the most effective type, level, intensity, and frequency of exercise remains unclear.

Patients And Methods: We enrolled 53 patients to a clinical trial assessing a partly supervised hybrid training program including both strength and endurance components, commencing at onset of induction therapy (T0) for hematological malignancies, including AML (n = 29), ALL (n = 5), and NHL (n = 19).

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Among rugby players, anterior shoulder dislocation is challenging to treat during the in-season period. It often leads to recurrent shoulder instability and requires prolonged rest post-surgery. No studies have determined the effectiveness of immobilization, early muscle strength training, or both in preventing reinjury in this population.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Introduction: Spinal cord injury is a physiological disruption often caused by trauma, leading to severe physical and psychological effects, including irreversible impairment and disability. Cervical injuries, particularly between C1 and C8, are the most severe, potentially causing diaphragm paralysis and requiring mechanical ventilation. Reduced respiratory muscle strength not only affects respiratory function but also significantly impacts voice, speech, and communication, which are crucial for quality of life.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Background: Loss of key-pinch sensation after median nerve injury poses significant functional detriment. Nerve transfers are utilized to improve function after nerve injury and size matching of donor and recipient nerves is important to optimize success. This anthropometric study investigates the anatomy of the superficial branch of the radial nerve (SBRN) to the thumb and index finger and explores radial to median sensory nerve transfers, a necessary but not heavily discussed facet of nerve transfers for the hand.

View Article and Find Full Text PDF

Want AI Summaries of new PubMed Abstracts delivered to your In-box?

Enter search terms and have AI summaries delivered each week - change queries or unsubscribe any time!