The effects of resistance training in patients with primary Sjogren's syndrome

Introduction Resistance training (RT) is well tolerated and has shown promise for decreasing fatigue. However, the effects of RT have never been examined in primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS). Objective To assess the feasibility, effectiveness, and safety of a resistance exercise program on fatigue in patients with pSS. Methods This is a parallel, single-blind randomized trial. Women aged 18 years or older, diagnosed with pSS according to the American-European criteria, were included. We randomized 59 participants to a resistance training group (RT) or a control group (CG). Participants in the RT group performed a 16-week resistance exercise program. The sessions consisted of three sets of resistance exercises (10 repetitions each) at 60 to 80% of 1 repetition maximum, designed to improve whole-body strength. The participants in the CG received their usual pharmacological treatment and instructions regarding disease control, pain management, sleep hygiene, and activities of daily living. To compare intergroup and intragroup variability, a one-factor repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used. Results RT effectively improved fatigue, pain, functional capacity, emotional aspects, vitality, and subjective perception of disease activity by the patient. No between-group differences were found in the ESSPRI mental score, ESSDAI, SF36-Physical Aspects, SF-36-General Health, SF-36-Social aspects, and SF-36-Mental Health after the training period. Conclusion An RT program was safe and effective in improving fatigue, pain, functional capacity, emotional aspects, vitality, and subjective perception of disease activity by the patient in women with pSS.

Automated summary

Resistance training program was safe and effective in improving fatigue, pain, functional capacity, emotional aspects, vitality, and subjective perception of disease activity by the patient in women with pSS. After the training period, no between-group differences were found in the mental score, ESSDAI, SF36-Physical Aspects, SF-36-General Health, SF-36-Social aspects, and SF-36-Mental Health.