INVESTIGATION OF THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN RESPIRATORY MUSCLE STRENGTH AND KINESIOPHOBIA IN PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC SCLEROSIS

Aim: Aim: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between respiratory muscle strength and kinesiophobia in patients with Systemic Sclerosis (SSc) and to determine whether pulmonary function parameters influence movement-related fear in this population. Methods: : A cross-sectional study was conducted with 20 patients diagnosed with SSc. Respiratory muscle strength was evaluated by measuring maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximal expiratory pressure (MEP) using a digital mouth pressure meter. Pulmonary function, including forced vital capacity (FVC) and diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO), was assessed via spirometry. Kinesiophobia levels were determined using the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK). Fatigue and dyspnea levels were also recorded as secondary clinical outcomes. Results: Results: High levels of kinesiophobia were prevalent among the participants. However, correlation analysis revealed no significant association between kinesiophobia scores and MIP, MEP, or FVC values (p > 0.05). Although pulmonary involvement was characterized by significant impairments in respiratory function and increased fatigue, these physiological deficits did not appear to be the primary drivers of kinesiophobia. Conclusion: Conclusion: Kinesiophobia in SSc patients appears to follow a course independent of objective pulmonary function and respiratory muscle strength. These findings suggest that movement-related fear is a distinct biopsychosocial construct in SSc that requires specific attention regardless of the severity of lung involvement.