Background Supervised high-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been proposed to be more effective than moderateintensity continuous training (MICT) for improving exercise capacity, but there are not sufficient information effects of home-based HIIT and MICT in patients with myocardial infarction (MI). Aims To compare the effects of home-based HIIT and MICT in patients with MI. Methods Twenty-one patients with MI were randomly assigned to one of two home-based exercise modes: HIIT group and MICT group. Home-based HIIT and MICT were performed twice a week for 12 weeks with an exercise intensity of 85-95% of heart rate (HR) reserve and 70-75% HR reserve, respectively. The primary outcome measure was functional capacity. Secondary outcomes included resting blood pressure and HR, peripheral oxygen saturation, pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength, dyspnea severity, body composition (body fat%, body mass ındex (BMI), fat free muscle), peripheral muscle strength, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Results Functional capacity, measured by 6-minute walk test, increased in HIIT and MICT group (p < 0.05). Resting BP and HR, body fat%, and BMI were significantly decreased, and pulmonary functions, respiratory-peripheral muscle strength, and HRQoL were significantly increased in the both groups (p < 0.05). Home-based HIIT was more effective than MICT in improving pulmonary functions and lower extremity muscle strength (p < 0.05). Conclusions This study suggests that HIIT and MICT can be applied at home-based in patients with MI and play an important role in improving functional capacity, health outcomes, and HRQoL. Trial registration Clinical Trials Number: NCT04407624.

Aim To compare the effects of supervised exercise and home exercise program in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Methods Thirty‐seven SSc patients were included. Patients with SSc were allocated into 2 groups as supervised and home exercise. Breathing, aerobic and resistance exercises were performed with a physiotherapist for 12 weeks in the supervised exercise group. Breathing, posture and aerobic exercises were given to the home exercise group as a home program for 12 weeks. All patients were assessed at baseline and 12 weeks later in terms of functional capacity, pulmonary functions, respiratory‐peripheral muscle strength, dyspnea severity, health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) and fatigue level. Results Significant improvements were observed in the functional capacity, measured by 6 minute walking test in the supervised exercise group (before = 376.21 ± 65.50, after = 518.78 ± 75.84 m) and home exercise group (before = 384.44 ± 68.14, after = 432.7 ± 70.8 m; (P < .05). Respiratory‐peripheral muscle strength (with the exception of inspiratory muscle strength and upper limb strength in the home exercise group) and HRQoL were significantly increased and fatigue level was significantly decreased in the supervised exercise and home exercise groups (P < .05). However, pulmonary functions and dyspnea severity were significantly improved only in the supervised exercise group (P < .05). The supervised exercise program was found superior to the home exercise program for change in all parameters (P < .05). Conclusion This study suggests that exercise interventions should be applied in addition to the medical treatments of patients with SSc as supervised and home exercise programs play an important role in the functionality and health status of these patients.

Objective To investigate the association of core stability with physical function and functional performance in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Methods Forty patients who met the American College of Rheumatology / European League Against Rheumatism 2013 classification criteria for SSc were included in the cross‐sectional study. For evaluation of core stability, trunk muscle endurance and trunk muscle strength were assessed. Trunk extensor and trunk flexor endurance tests were used for assessment of trunk muscle endurance. Trunk muscle strength was measured with a hand‐held dynamometer and modified sit‐up test. To measure physical function the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ‐DI) and to measure functional performance 6‐minute walking test (6MWT) and sit‐to‐stand test (STS) were used. Results Patients with SSc had lower mean trunk extensor and flexor endurance test times (49.87 ± 30.81 and 32.17 ± 15.42 seconds, respectively), modified sit‐up test repetition (17.42 ± 7.81) and trunk extensor and flexor muscle strength (7.48 ± 2.29 kg and 6.20 ± 1.68 kg, respectively) when compared to the reference values in healthy individuals. All measurements were used to evaluate core stability associated with HAQ‐DI score, 6DMWT walking distance and STS test duration (all P < .05). Conclusion Patients with SSc have markedly reduced core stability and this negatively affects the physical function and functional performance. Therefore, this study highlights the importance of trunk muscle in patients with SSc. We suggest that not only upper‐lower extremity muscles, but also trunk muscle strength and endurance should be measured and core stability exercises can be added to the training programs to maintain and/or improve physical functions and functional performance in SSc patients.

Objectives: This study aims to assess postural balance, fall risk, and the relationship of these parameters with disease-related factors in patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc). Patients and methods: Thirty patients with SSc (6 males, 24 females; mean age 51.1±10.6 years; range 35 to 65) and 30 healthy subjects (6 males, 24 females, mean age 52.4±8.7 years; range 35 to 65) matched for age, sex and body mass index were included in this cross-sectional study conducted between September 2018 and November 2019. Postural balance was measured with Biodex Balance System™ (Biodex-BS), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Individuals' history of falls in the past year, functional capacity, lower limb muscles strength, pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, diffusion capacity, and dyspnea severity were evaluated. Results: The SSc group had postural balance impairment and a higher fall frequency than the control group. The SSc group had significantly higher sway index on postural stability (0.6±0.5), lower directional control score (42.1±8.0), and longer test duration (51.8±11.8) on limit of stability of Biodex-BS, lower BBS score (51.5±4.9), and longer test duration on TUG test (8.3±2.7) than control group (all p<0.05). Also, SSc group exhibited significantly lower functional capacity, limb muscles strength, pulmonary function, respiratory muscles strength, diffusion capacity, and higher dyspnea severity than control group (all p<0.05). The postural balance and fall frequency of SSc patients were significantly associated with functional capacity, lower limb muscles strength, pulmonary function, respiratory muscle strength, diffusion capacity, and dyspnea severity. Conclusion:Our results suggest that postural balance impairment and fall risk should be assessed as they appear to be important problems in patients with SSc. Furthermore, assessment of functional capacity, lower limb muscles strength, and lung involvement may highlight those with postural balance impairment and higher fall risk.

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Purpose: Respiratory muscles play a dual role in breathing and trunk stability during activities. The relationship between respiratory muscle functions and trunk stability has not yet been clarified. The aim of the study was to examine the effects of respiratory muscle functions on trunk muscle endurance in healthy young adults. Material and Methods: McGill's trunk muscle endurance tests, which consist of trunk flexion endurance test (FE), Sorensen test (ST) and Side Bridge test (SB), were used to evaluate the participants' trunk muscle endurance. Maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures were measured to determine respiratory muscle strength. The respiratory muscle endurance test was performed with the incremental threshold load protocol using a threshold IMT device. Results: A total of 51 healthy young adults, with a mean age of 21.8 ± 3.2 years, were evaluated. The results of the linear regression models were significantly explained 46% of the variance in the SB and 38% in the FE, (for SB Adj R2=0.46, F=21.40, p<0.001 and for FE Adj R2=0.38, F=15.65, p<0.001). Respiratory muscle endurance contributed 30% to the endurance of the trunk flexor muscles, while respiratory muscle strength contributed only 8%. Similarly, respiratory muscle endurance contributed 38% to the endurance of the trunk lateral flexor muscles, while respiratory muscle strength contributed only 8%. Conclusion: Although respiratory muscle strength and respiratory muscle endurance were independent contributors to trunk muscle endurance, respiratory muscle endurance more affected trunk muscle endurance than respiratory muscle strength in healthy young adults.

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