Exploring the effects of a combined exercise programme on pain and fatigue outcomes in people with systemic sclerosis
Concept
In addition to pain, fatigue has been identified as a key stressor and the most prevalent and debilitating symptom of SSc. Pharmacological therapeutic strategies have not been proved sufficiently effective in the management of SSc-induced pain and fatigue. As yet, the effects of a feasible, long-term, tailored exercise programme on pain and fatigue in people with SSc have not been explored. Therefore, this project will carry out a multicentre (n=5) research clinical trial to assess the effect of a previously-established, supervised 12-week combined (aerobic and resistance training) exercise programme on pain and fatigue. The 26-month study will recruit 180 people with SSc that will be allocated randomly to two groups. Group A will perform the exercise programme parallel to standard care and Group B will receive the standard care alone. All participants will be followed for 24-weeks.
Facts and Figures
M Klonizakis
Sheffield Hallam University
Meet the Team
Sheffield Hallam University
Sheffield Hallam University
Leiden University Medical Centre
Medical University of Vienna (MUV)
Karolinska Institutet/Sunderby hospital
Copenhagen University
Objectives
• To investigate the effects of the proposed intervention on digital pain and fatigue of people with SSc.
• To investigate the effects of the proposed intervention on QoL, depression, cardiorespiratory fitness, strength of people with SSc.
• To investigate the effects of the proposed intervention on the digital structural vascular changes in people with SSc.
Patient Voice
Participant inclusion:
1) People diagnosed with Systemic Sclerosis experiencing RP; 2) Being over 18 years old; and 3) Patients should be able to perform the prescribed exercise programme.
Benefits for patients:
- Reduction of pain and fatigue.
- Improvement in QoL, overall fitness, social life.
- Prevention of open wounds in fingers and infections/hospitalisations.
- Education on benefits of exercise on overall health gained through participation in exercise programme.
Goals/Milestones
Months 1-3: Study set up
Months 4-20: Recruitment, baseline assessments, exercise intervention and follow ups.
Months 21-23: Data analysis.
Months 24-26: Dissemination of findings and study close down. (Report to stakeholders, leaflet for the general public, approx. 4 manuscripts)