Functional Performance and Biopsychosocial Characteristics in Individuals with Systemic Sclerosis

In individuals with systemic sclerosis (SSc), the loss of functionality severely affects quality of life. This condition may cause psychosocial effects by affecting the person, their family, and the environment. Activities of daily living, quality of life, and psychosocial well-being are affected, and aesthetic concerns arise. Different scales evaluating the quality of life, functions, and disease characteristics of individuals diagnosed with SSc are accepted. In this field, modified Rodnan skin score (mRDS), Duruöz hand index (DHI), scleroderma health assessment questionnaire (SHAQ), and Short Form-36 (SF-36) are frequently used. The BETY-Biopsychosocial Questionnaire is also included in the literature for the evaluation of the biopsychosocial effects of individuals with rheumatism. In addition, it is essential to evaluate the characteristics of individuals who maintain their health with chronic diseases. Therefore, assessment parameters such as the Chronic Disease Self-Management Scale, Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale, Short Form Illness Perception Scale, Body Awareness Questionnaire, Central Sensitisation Scale, and Tampa Kinesiophobia Questionnaire are frequently used in this regard. The 6 Minute Walk Test (6 MWT) is recommended as a frequently used method to determine cardiopulmonary endurance in individuals with SSc. It is known that there is a decrease in the distance walked in this test compared to healthy individuals, and the fall potential of physical performance is an important parameter. In addition, there are also methods used to evaluate physical performance, such as the five-repetition sit-and-stand test (CST), the Stair Climbing Test (SCT), and the Timed up-and-go test (TUG). Considering all these effects, there is a need to examine the relationship between functional and biopsychosocial impact in individuals with SSc. This study aims to examine the relationship between functional performance and biopsychosocial characteristics in individuals diagnosed with systemic sclerosis and to present the results for this disease group.