Exercise Training in Sarcoidosis (EXTRAS Study)

Exercise intolerance and reduced health status have been found in patients with sarcoidosis and has been related to skeletal muscle weakness. The present researchers reason that skeletal muscle weakness is, at least in part, related to physical inactivity and therefore partially reversible following a structured exercise training program. Nevertheless, the effects of exercise training have never been studied in patients with sarcoidosis. Therefore, the present study is undertaken to explore the effects of exercise training in patients with sarcoidosis. A priori, the following hypotheses are formulated: * A 12-week exercise training program improves health status, quality of life and exercise capacity in patients with sarcoidosis as compared to sarcoidosis patients without exercise intervention. * A 12-week exercise training program improves skeletal muscle function and reduces complaints of anxiety and depression in patients with sarcoidosis as compared to sarcoidosis patients without exercise intervention. * A 12-week exercise training program reduces circulating levels of inflammatory markers in patients with sarcoidosis as compared to sarcoidosis patients without exercise intervention.