Investigation of Respiratory Muscle Strength, Respiratory Muscle Endurance and Muscle Oxygenation in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating respiratory muscle strength, endurance, muscle oxygenation, and exercise capacity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis compared to healthy individuals. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes joint inflammation, reduced physical function, and increased risk of cardiovascular problems due to decreased exercise capacity and muscle oxygen levels. This study focuses on patients with stable disease activity to better understand the muscle and respiratory limitations they face. The study involves two groups: rheumatoid arthritis patients aged 18 to 65 years with low disease activity, and healthy individuals of similar age and gender without diseases. Measurements include respiratory muscle strength and endurance, oxygenation levels in upper and lower limb muscles, and exercise capacity tests performed over one or two days. These evaluations help assess how muscle function and oxygen delivery differ between patients and healthy controls. Participants will undergo several assessments including respiratory muscle tests, muscle oxygenation and total hemoglobin level measurements in the deltoid and quadriceps muscles, and exercise capacity evaluations of both upper and lower extremities. These tests occur on the first and second days of participation. The researchers aim to better understand muscle oxygenation and endurance in rheumatoid arthritis, which can inform future approaches to improving physical function and quality of life.

Investigation of Muscle Oxygenation in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis