BackgroundThe purpose of the present study was to compare dynamic muscle strength, functional performance, fatigue, and quality of life in premenopausal systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients with low disease activity versus matched-healthy controls and to determine the association of dynamic muscle strength with fatigue, functional performance, and quality of life in SLE patients.MethodsWe evaluated premenopausal (18–45 years) SLE patients with low disease activity (Systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity index [SLEDAI]: mean 1.5 ± 1.2). The control (n = 25) and patient (n = 25) groups were matched by age, physical characteristics, and the level of physical activities in daily life (International Physical Activity Questionnaire IPAQ). Both groups had not participated in regular exercise programs for at least six months prior to the study. Dynamic muscle strength was assessed by one-repetition maximum (1-RM) tests. Functional performance was assessed by the Timed Up and Go (TUG), in 30-s test a chair stand and arm curl using a 2-kg dumbbell and balance test, handgrip strength and a sit-and-reach flexibility test. Quality of life (SF-36) and fatigue were also measured.ResultsThe SLE patients showed significantly lower dynamic muscle strength in all exercises (leg press 25.63%, leg extension 11.19%, leg curl 15.71%, chest press 18.33%, lat pulldown 13.56%, 1-RM total load 18.12%, P < 0.001-0.02) compared to the controls. The SLE patients also had lower functional performance, greater fatigue and poorer quality of life. In addition, fatigue, SF-36 and functional performance accounted for 52% of the variance in dynamic muscle strength in the SLE patients.ConclusionsPremenopausal SLE patients with low disease activity showed lower dynamic muscle strength, along with increased fatigue, reduced functional performance, and poorer quality of life when compared to matched controls.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by chronic symmetric polyarthritis of large and small joints and by morning stiffness that may lead to musculoskeletal impairment, with functional impotence. The concept of functionality relates to the ability of an individual to perform effectively and independently daily activities and tasks of everyday life. The aim of this review is to familiarize the rheumatologist with the concept of functional capacity evaluation and with the tests that can be applied in this population, as these are important steps for a proper exercise prescription. From functional tests already used in the elderly population, the Physical Fitness and Rheumatology Laboratory - LAR - Brasilia, which is accompanying patients from Brasilia Cohort of Early Rheumatoid Arthritis, describes in this article a protocol of tests to assess functional capacity for application in patients with RA, including the description of tests: 1) Sit and Reach; 2) Agility/Dynamic Balance; 3) Manual Dynamometry; 4) Sit Back and Lift; 5) Biceps Curl and 6) Six-minute Walk Test.
IntroductionHypertension is the most prevalent modifiable risk factor with a high prevalence among older adults. Exercise is a nonpharmacological treatment shown to benefit all patients with hypertension.ObjectiveThis study examined the effects of a 14-week moderate intensity resistance training program (RT) on the maintenance of blood pressure and hand grip strength during an extended detraining period in elderly hypertensive women.MethodsTwelve hypertensive sedentary elderly women completed 14 weeks of whole body RT at a moderate perceived exertion following a detraining period of 14 weeks.ResultsFollowing the training period, participants demonstrated an increase in absolute hand grip strength (P=0.001), relative hand grip strength (P=0.032) and a decrease of systolic (P=0.001), diastolic (P=0.008), and mean blood pressure (P=0.002) when compared to pre-exercise values. In addition, these effects were sustained after 14 weeks of detraining.ConclusionResistance training may be a valuable method to improve muscular strength and blood pressure in elderly people with benefits being maintained up to 14 weeks following training cessation.
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