Aerobic Exercise is Safe and Effective in Systemic Sclerosis

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Abstract
Several studies have established that systemic sclerosis patients have a reduced exercise capacity when compared to healthy individuals. It is relevant to evaluate whether aerobic exercise in systemic sclerosis patients is a safe and effective intervention to improve aerobic capacity. Seven patients without pulmonary impairment and seven healthy controls were enrolled in an 8-week program consisting of moderate intensity aerobic exercise. Patients and controls had a significant improvement in peak oxygen consumption (19.72±3.51 vs. 22.27±2.53 and 22.94±4.70 vs. 24.55±3.00, respectively, p=0.006), but difference between groups was not statistically significant (p=0.149). This finding was reinforced by the fact that at the end of the study both groups were able to perform a significantly higher exercise intensity when compared to baseline, as measured by peak blood lactate (1.43±0.51 vs. 1.84±0.33 and 1.11±0.45 vs. 1.59±0.25, respectively, p=0.01). Patients improved the peak exercise oxygen saturation comparing to the baseline (84.14±9.86 vs. 90.29±5.09, p=0.048). Rodnan score was similar before and after the intervention (15.84±7.84 vs.12.71±4.31, p=0.0855). Digital ulcers and Raynaud's phenomenon remained stable. Our data support the notion that improving aerobic capacity is a feasible goal in systemic sclerosis management. The long term benefit of this intervention needs to be determined in large prospective studies.

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