Systemic sclerosis: Association between physical function, handgrip strength and pulmonary function

Abstract

Background: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem disease affecting the skin, respiratory system and skeletal muscles. In SSc patients, hand function disability is the major factor limiting daily activities.

Aim: To evaluate the association of physical function with handgrip strength and pulmonary function in SSc patients. A further aim was to assess the relationship between handgrip strength and pulmonary function in patients with SSc.

Method: A cross-sectional study in which 28 patients with SSc underwent isometric handgrip strength (IHGS) measurement and pulmonary function tests and completed the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI) to measure physical function.

Results: The HAQ-DI scores were associated with the IHGS (r_s = -0.599, P = 0.001) and pulmonary function parameters, particularly the diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLco; r_s = -0.642, P = 0.0004).

Conclusion: In patients with SSc, the degree of physical disability is associated with both hand grip strength and pulmonary function. However, there is no relationship between handgrip strength and pulmonary function in these patients.

Keywords: Handgrip strength; Isometric dynamometry; Pulmonary function tests; Rehabilitation; Systemic sclerosis.