THU0726-HPR THE COMPARISON OF ARTERIAL STIFFNESS, FUNCTIONAL EXERCISE CAPACITY AND PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS AND HEALTHY INDIVIDUALS

Background: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is characterized by abnormal production of fibrotic tissue in the skin and internal organs. SSc has a effect on large and conduit arteries damage as well as microvascular damage (1). It is known that sedentary lifestyle may contribute to vascular dysfunction (2). Therefore, it is important to evaluate arterial stiffness, exercise capacity and physical activity in people with SSc. Objectives: The aim of this study is to compare arterial stiffness, functional exercise capacity and physical activity in SSc and healthy individuals. Methods: Fifteen SSc (53 years) and 15 healthy (48 years) women were included in this study. Arterial stiffness was evaluated with pulse wave velocity that was obtained by measuring the carotid-to-radial pulse wave transit time. Functional exercise capacity was assessed by 6-minute walk test (6MWT). Physical activity was questioned International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ)-short form. The differences between the groups were analyzed with Mann-Whitney U test. Results: Age, weight, height and body mass index were similar in the groups (p>0.05). There was significant difference in pulse wave velocity and pulse wave transit time between the two groups (p Conclusion: This study demonstrates that women with SSc have increased arterial stiffness, decreased functional exercise capacity and physical activity. Exercise training is an important part of the comprehensive care of people with SSc. People with SSc should be included in an exercise training program to reduce arterial stiffness, increase exercise capacity and physical activity. References: [1] Cypiene A, Laucevicius A, Venalis A, Dadoniene J, Ryliskyte L, Petrulioniene Z, Kovaite M, Gintautas J. The impact of systemic sclerosis on arterial wall stiffness parameters and endothelial function. Clin Rheumatol. 2008 Dec;27(12):1517-22. [2] Laufs U, Wassmann S, Czech T, Munzel T, Eisenhauer M, Bohm M, Nickenig G. Physical inactivity increases oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, and atherosclerosis. Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2005 Apr;25(4):809-14. Disclosure of Interests: None declared