Rehabilitation Program in Patients With Scleroderma

Scleroderma (or Systemic Sclerosis - SSc) is one of the most neglected diseases worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. In the adult population with SS, the systemic effects of the disease, such as respiratory and peripheral muscle dysfunction, cause a decrease in quality of life. As a consequence, there is a concern about functional rehabilitation, since the aging of this population is already a reality. Thus, the objective of this project is to evaluate the effects of functional rehabilitation on functional capacity and quality of life in women over 18 years of SS. In this longitudinal intervention study, patients will be submitted to a three-month rehabilitation program. Before and after the intervention, patients will be submitted to the following assessments: Cochin Hand Functional Scale (CHFS), Short-Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36); Scleroderma Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (SHAQ-DI); lung function; lung ultrasound; handgrip; Glittre Activities of Daily Living test. Thus, it is expected that patients with SS will benefit significantly, with a consequent improvement in musculoskeletal function and , functional capacity and health-related quality of life.