Investigation of Respiratory Muscle Sarcopenia in Patients With Systemic Sclerosis

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are investigating respiratory muscle sarcopenia, a condition involving muscle loss and weakness in respiratory muscles, in people with systemic sclerosis. Sarcopenia involves reduced muscle strength, mass, and physical performance and can affect respiratory muscles, leading to respiratory sarcopenia. This study aims to determine how common respiratory muscle sarcopenia is in patients with systemic sclerosis since no previous studies have focused on this group. Participants with systemic sclerosis will undergo assessments including body composition analysis using bioelectrical impedance, hand grip strength measured by a hand dynamometer, and physical performance tests such as the 5 repetition sit-and-stand test, 4-meter walk test, and Timed up-and-go test. Respiratory muscle strength will also be evaluated to identify respiratory muscle sarcopenia in these patients. During the study, participants will provide demographic and clinical information and undergo baseline evaluations of respiratory muscle sarcopenia, grip strength, walking speed, physical performance, respiratory muscle strength, and body composition. Data will be analyzed using statistical methods to assess the prevalence and risk factors of respiratory muscle sarcopenia in systemic sclerosis. The study is observational and involves a one-time baseline assessment of participants aged 18 to 75 years who meet specific diagnostic and clinical stability criteria.

Investigation of Respiratory Muscle Sarcopenia in Patients With Systemic Sclerosis