Determinations of six minute walking test in women with systemic sclerosis

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the determinants of six-minute walk test in women individuals with systemic sclerosis. Method: Thirty-six women individuals with systemic sclerosis aged 18-75 years were included in this study. Demographic characteristics of the patients were questioned by the researcher. Disease severity, skin thickness and spirometer results were obtained from Medsger Systemic Sclerosis Severity Scale (MSS) and Modified Rodnan Skin Score (mRSS) data obtained from file records. Disability levels were determined by Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), dyspnea Modified Medical Research Council (MMRC), fatigue Borg Scale and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS), pain, and pain level by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS). Gastrointestinal effects were evaluated by the University of California Scleroderma Clinical Study Consortium Gastrointestinal Tractus Questioning Scale (UCLA SCTC GIT 2). Respiratory muscle strength was determined by maximal inspiratory (MIP) and expiratory (MEP) pressure measurements. Peripheral muscle strength (knee extension and hand grip strength) were determined by hand-held dynamometer and hand dynamometer. Daily life activity Milliken Daily Life Activity Scale (Milliken DLA), quality of life Saint George Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ), physical activity was questioned with the International Physical Activity Assessment Questionnaire (IPAQ). Six-minute walking test (6MWT) was used to determine the functional capacity of the subjects and to examine the factors affecting them. Results: Disease severity, skin thickness and disability were mild. There was a relationship between spirometry results, six minute walk distance (6MWD), hand grip strength and MEP and 6MWD (p <0.05), but no relationship with quadriceps muscle strength and MEP (0> 0.05). While there was a significant relationship between MSS, mRSS, HAQ, MDLA and SGRQ scores and 6MWD (0.05); There was no significant relationship between UCLA SCTC GIT 2, IPAQ, FSS and MMRC (p> 0.05). According to the results of linear regression analysis, MSS and Milliken DLA were independent predictors of 6MWT. Conclusion: The severity of disease, disability level, skin thickness, pulmoner involvement, range of motion limitation, hand grip strength, MEP, daily life activity and quality of life were found to affect the outcome of 6MWT. Disease severity and daily living activity influences in scleroderma are determinants of functional capacity level. Keywords: systemic sclerosis, disease severity, pulmonary involvement, daily life activity, functional capacity