title: Relationship between functional capacity, joint mobility and pulmonary function in patients with systemic sclerosis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  In systemic sclerosis (SS), pulmonary involvement is currently the leading cause of mortality. Joint impairments limit the range of motion (ROM), which may reduce the functional capacity of these patients.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To assess the correlation between the functional capacity, joints mobility, and pulmonary function parameters in adults with SS.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a cross-sectional study including ten SS patients who underwent goniometry, spirometry, carbon monoxide diffusing capacity (DLco) assessment, and the 6-min walk distance (6 MWD).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significant correlations were found between the 6 MWD and the tibiotarsal plantarflexion ROM (r = 0.65; P < 0.01), tibiotarsal dorsiflexion ROM (r = 0.64; P < 0.01), and hip adduction ROM (0.52; P < 0.05). Significant correlation was also observed between the 6 MWD and DLco (r = 0.61; P < 0.01).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although the 6 MWD can be influenced by cardiovascular and pulmonary impairments in SS, our results suggest that the musculoskeletal dysfunction play an important role in the functional capacity of these patients.
authors.affiliation: Rehabilitation Sciences Master's Program, Augusto Motta University Center, Av. Paris, 72, Bonsucesso, 21041-020 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
authors.forename: Tatiana Rafaela Lemos
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Lima
authors.affiliation: Rehabilitation Sciences Master's Program, Augusto Motta University Center, Av. Paris, 72, Bonsucesso, 21041-020 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Physical Therapy Department, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
authors.forename: Fernando Silva
authors.initials: FS
authors.lastname: Guimarães
authors.affiliation: Rehabilitation Sciences Master's Program, Augusto Motta University Center, Av. Paris, 72, Bonsucesso, 21041-020 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
authors.forename: Leilson Araujo
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.affiliation: Rehabilitation Sciences Master's Program, Augusto Motta University Center, Av. Paris, 72, Bonsucesso, 21041-020 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
authors.forename: Débora Pedroza Guedes
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Silva
authors.affiliation: Rehabilitation Sciences Master's Program, Augusto Motta University Center, Av. Paris, 72, Bonsucesso, 21041-020 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Physical Therapy Department, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
authors.forename: Sara Lucia Silveira
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Menezes
authors.affiliation: Rehabilitation Sciences Master's Program, Augusto Motta University Center, Av. Paris, 72, Bonsucesso, 21041-020 Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Postgraduate Programme in Medical Sciences, State University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Electronic address: phel.lop@uol.com.br.
authors.forename: Agnaldo José
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Lopes
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005080:Exercise Test; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D007866:Leg / Q000503:physiopathology; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012595:Scleroderma, Systemic / Q000150:complications*; D013147:Spirometry
keywords: Articulation disorders; Exercise; Posture; Respiratory function tests; Systemic sclerosis