The comparison of posture, balance, functional performance tests, exercise capacity, physical activity and quality of life between healthy individuals and individuals with systemic sclerosis

Objective: This study aims to compare posture, balance, functional performance tests, exercise capacity, physical activity and quality of life between healthy individuals and individuals with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Method: The study included a group of 56 female participants, of which, 28 were diagnosed with SSc and the other half was considered healthy. Demographic characteristics and symptoms of each participant were recorded. Data on disease severity were obtained from Medsger Disease Severity Index which was avaible in participants' medical records. Posture analysis evaluation was used for posture evaluation. Peripheral muscle strenght (knee extension and hand grip strenght) was judged by hand-held dynamometer and hand dynamometer. In order to evaluate dyspnea, Modified Medical Research Council (MMRC) scale was used. Fall risk of the individuals evaluated by a Timed-Up and Go test. International Physical Activity Assessment Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used to determine the physical activity levels of the individuals. Fatigue levels of the individuals were determined using Fatigue Severity Scale and Fatigue Impact Scale. To identify functional capacity and exercise capacity, 6-minute walk test (6MWT) was applied to the individuals. The Nottingham Health Profile Questionnaire was used for quality of life assessment. Balance performance of individuals was evaluated thanks to Balance Master performance and balance device. Results: Participants with SSc was found to have low disease severity. Smoking habit was significantly higher in participants with SSc than healthy subjects (p<0.05). Physical activity levels of healthy individuals were considerably higher than individuals with SSc (p<0.05). Postural tilt in individulas with SSc was significantly higher than healthy individuals (p<0.05). During the Timed-Up and Go test, performance scores of SSc individuals were significantly lower than healthy subjects (p<0.05). Fatigue levels of SSc individuals were significantly higher than healthy individuals (p<0.05). 6-minute walking distance, functional performance and exercise capacity were significantly lower in individuals with SSc (p<0.05). When compared to healthy subjects, quality of life and balance scores of SSc individuals were considerably lower (p<0.05). Conclusion: Posture, balance, functional performance, exercise capacity, physical activity levels and quality of life of individuals with SSc who participated in our study were significantly affected. In addition, disease severity levels were reported to be low. Therefore; future studies should examine SSc individuals with different levels of disease severity on account of posture, balance, functional performance tests, exercise capacity, physical activity and quality of life. Keywords: systemic sclerosis, posture, balance, functional performance tests, exercise capacity, physical activity, quality of life