Hand strength in systemic sclerosis patients during two years of rehabilitation

Aim: The study aimed to analyze hand strength in patients with systemic sclerosis treated at the Dermatology Clinic of National Medical Institute of the Ministry of the Interior and Administration, using an electronic dynamometer, over a two-year rehabilitation period. Materials and Methods: The study group consisted of 55 patients aged 27 to 80 years (average age: 56.4) with systemic sclerosis, who regularly received rheological treatment at the Dermatology Clinic. Additionally, for two years, patients were supported with individually selected manual exercises and upper limb self-massage. Hand strength was measured before, during, and after the therapy using an electronic dynamometer. Forty-two patients completed the study. Results: The analysis showed that hand strength in patients with systemic sclerosis did not significantly change during the study period. The greatest changes in hand strength were observed when comparing the period from the mid-study assessment to the end of the study, rather than from the start to the mid-study assessment. Conclusions: The results suggest that the hand strength of patients did not improve significantly during the study period. However, comparing the period from the mid-study assessment to the conclusion showed better outcomes than comparing the period from the start to the mid-study assessment.