Comparing respiratory muscle strength and aerobic capacity in scleroderma patients and healthy individuals

Investigation of Respiratory Muscle Strength and Aerobic Capacity in Patients With Scleroderma

Observational Firat University · NCT06554132

This study is testing how the strength of breathing muscles and exercise ability in people with scleroderma compares to healthy individuals to better understand their respiratory challenges.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment15 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexFemale
SponsorFirat University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Elâzığ)
Trial IDNCT06554132 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to compare respiratory muscle strength, aerobic capacity, dyspnea, pulmonary function tests, and fatigue levels between patients with scleroderma and healthy controls. It will include 15 patients diagnosed with scleroderma and 15 healthy individuals matched by age and gender. The study will evaluate the relationship between respiratory muscle strength and other parameters, as well as identify factors that may influence respiratory muscle strength. The findings could provide insights into the respiratory challenges faced by scleroderma patients.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with scleroderma who have been stable on medical treatment for at least three months.

Not a fit: Patients with regular exercise habits, other chronic diseases affecting respiratory capacity, or acute respiratory conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of respiratory issues in scleroderma patients, potentially leading to better management strategies.

How similar studies have performed: While there have been studies on respiratory function in scleroderma, this specific comparative approach with healthy controls is less common, making it a novel investigation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Being diagnosed with Ssk according to ACR/EULAR criteria
* Stable medical treatment for 3 months

Exclusion Criteria:

* Having a regular exercise habit (doing regular exercise at least once a week for the last 3 months)
* Comorbidity with another chronic disease that may affect aerobic capacity or respiratory muscle strength
* Having concomitant acute respiratory diseases
* Having a smoking habit
* History of orthopedic or neurologic disease in the lower extremities that may prevent cycling

Where this trial is running

Elâzığ

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions SclerodermaRespiratory muscle strengthAerobic capacity
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.