title: On the functional capacity and quality of life of patients with acromegaly: are they candidates for rehabilitation programs?
abstract: [Purpose] This study compared patients having active acromegaly with those having controlled acromegaly in terms of peripheral muscle strength, body composition, and functional capacity. We also examined the associations between these measures. [Methods] A total of 14 patients with active acromegaly, 12 patients with controlled acromegaly, and 12 healthy controls were subjected to isometric dynamometry, surface electromyography, electrical bioimpedance, and a six-minute walk test. [Results] The active acromegaly group exhibited significantly more fat-free mass than the control group. With respect to the peripheral muscle performance, the controlled acromegaly group presented a significantly lower electromyographic median frequency than the control group. The quadriceps maximum strength was significantly lower in the controlled acromegaly group than in the control group. The fat-free mass was significantly correlated with the quadriceps maximum strength. The global scores of the Acromegaly Quality of Life Questionnaire were significantly correlated with the six-minute walk distance. [Conclusion] Patients with acromegaly have more fat-free mass, less peripheral muscle strength, and greater fatigability than healthy control subjects. These findings depend on the degree of hormonal control. In acromegalic patients, peripheral muscle strength is related to body composition, and functional capacity is correlated with quality of life.
authors.affiliation: Rehabilitation Sciences Master's Program, Augusto Motta University Center, Brazil.
authors.forename: Débora Pedroza
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Guedes da Silva
authors.affiliation: Rehabilitation Sciences Master's Program, Augusto Motta University Center, Brazil.
authors.forename: Fernando Silva
authors.initials: FS
authors.lastname: Guimarães
authors.affiliation: Rehabilitation Sciences Master's Program, Augusto Motta University Center, Brazil.
authors.forename: Cristina Márcia
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Dias
authors.affiliation: Rehabilitation Sciences Master's Program, Augusto Motta University Center, Brazil.
authors.forename: Simone de Araujo
authors.initials: Sde A
authors.lastname: Guimarães
authors.affiliation: Department of Endocrinology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
authors.forename: Leandro
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Kasuki
authors.affiliation: Department of Endocrinology, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
authors.forename: Mônica Roberto
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Gadelha
authors.affiliation: Department of Radiology, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
authors.forename: Gustavo Bittencourt
authors.initials: GB
authors.lastname: Camilo
authors.affiliation: Rehabilitation Sciences Master's Program, Augusto Motta University Center, Brazil.
authors.forename: Agnaldo José
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Lopes
keywords: Acromegaly; Exercise tolerance; Muscle strength