ClinicalTrials.gg
CompletedNCT06425653Updated May 22, 2024

Exercise With Scleroderma Functional Outcomes

An interventional study of Exercise Program in Scleroderma, Systemic, Scleroderma, Diffuse and Scleroderma, Limited, sponsored by Trakya University. Completed at 1 site in Turkey. Open to participants aged 18 Years to 70 Years, including healthy volunteers. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2024-05-22.

Primary conditionScleroderma, DiffuseRegistry: Scleroderma, SystemicReclassifiedWhy we changed it
Registry
Scleroderma, Systemic — the first condition term the registry derived for this study.
ClinicalTrials.gg
Scleroderma, Diffuse
Why
  1. The study's listed conditions name Scleroderma, Diffuse, a narrower term within Scleroderma, Systemic.
Confidence
High: the new condition is named in the study's own listed conditions. Of 351 hand-checked studies reclassified this way, 68% were exactly right and 84% in the right disease family; the registry's first term was right for 5% (measured 2026-10-21). How we classify →
Wrong?
Tell us the study's main condition →

Sponsored by Trakya University · Not applicable, Interventional, and Supportive care

From the registry’s dates

  • Registered 3 years 3 months after the study started (first participant enrolled Feb 2021, registered May 2024).
Phase
Not applicable
Study type
Interventional
Enrollment
44
Allocation
Randomized
Ages
18 Years to 70 Years
Sex
All
01

Where this study stands

Counted across the records on this site · 2026-11-12

Among 26 studies in Scleroderma, Diffuse with a site in Turkey — 9 open to participants now, 13 under way, 2 of them phase 3. Scleroderma, Diffuse · Turkey.

Enrollment
10th of 17
44 · median 46
Started
2021
with 3 others
No phase
14 of 26
3 open now
Registered
14th of 26
by date

Among the 26 studies in Scleroderma, Diffuse with a site in Turkey, this one is the 10th largest by enrollment of the 17 interventional ones that give a count, is one of 4 that started in 2021, is one of 14 with no phase, and was the 14th registered.

Scleroderma, Diffuse

310 studies on the registry are indexed under Scleroderma, Diffuse; 76 are open to participants now.

Browse Scleroderma, Diffuse studies →

Open to participants now

9 of the 26 studies in Scleroderma, Diffuse with a site in Turkey are open now. Recruiting first, the newest first:

4 more — sign in →

All 9 open studies →

A study can be open while its sites in Turkey have not opened yet or have stopped. Only those recruiting at a site in Turkey →

Who these studies take

Of the 55 Scleroderma, Diffuse studies recruiting now, 28 (51%) set no upper age limit and 20 (36%) stop at 75 or younger; 10 take children under 18; 10 take healthy volunteers.

This study: 18 Years to 70 Years · all sexes · healthy volunteers too.

The full table on the hub →

This tab as a report to print or save as PDF → With an account.

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Watch this landscapeDownload CSVNarrow it in search →With an account: a weekly mail of what changed among 26 studies in Scleroderma, Diffuse with a site in Turkey, or all of them as a file.
02

Study summary

The study aims to investigate the effects of an exercise program applied to patients with scleroderma on functional outcomes (hand and mouth functional results and quality of life).

Read the detailed description

Systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) is a significant, rare autoimmune connective tissue disease characterized by autoantibodies, fibrosis of the skin and internal organs, microvascular injury and vascular damage due to endothelial cell activation (Sepulveda et al., 2019; Rosendahl et al., 2022). The term "scleroderma" is derived from two Greek words "sklero" and "derma" meaning hard skin (Bielacka et al., 2017; Singh et al., 2019).

The global prevalence of scleroderma is estimated to be between 0.3 and 40 per 100,000 population (Alhendi et al., 2020; Benz et al., 2021; Sierakowska et al., 2019). The occurrence of systemic sclerosis in women is three to five times and in some literature up to eight times higher than in men. The disease incidence peaks between the ages of 30 and 65 (Sierakowska et al., 2019; Hughes et al., 2020; Alhendi et al., 2020).

Impairment of hand functions is one of the most significant disabilities in patients with scleroderma and is commonly observed (Gregory et al., 2019; Mugii et al., 2019). The skin of the hand thickens with manifestations including fingertip ulcers, swelling of the fingers, raynaud's phenomenon and subcutaneous calcium deposition (Abreu et al., 2023). Deformities such as loss of flexion in the metacarpophalangeal joints, loss of extension in the proximal and distal interphalangeal joints, loss of abduction, flexion of the thumb and wrist movement can occur, leading to contractures and severe impairment of hand functions (Bongi \& Rosso, 2016; Vannajak et al., 2014).

Besides hand function impairment, another significant issue in scleroderma is the fibrotic involvement of the connective tissue of the face and mouth. Patients tend to lose facial expression. Sclerosis of the skin around the lips and mouth area causes a reduction in mouth opening (microstomia) and width (microcheilia) in 43% to 80% of cases (Puzio et al., 2019; Uras et al., 2019).

Rehabilitation strategies which play a crucial role in the management of scleroderma, include psychoeducational interventions, exercise therapy, application of physical methods, assistive devices and orthoses; joint protection and energy conservation approaches, dietary interventions and comprehensive multidisciplinary team care programs (Schouffoer et al., 2011). Among these interventions daily hand exercises are specifically mentioned to improve hand movement and function, and also mouth and facial exercises positively affect mouth opening function (Gregory et al., 2019). Hand rehabilitation enhances hand movement, functionality and strength, as well as participation in daily life activities such as self-care, housework, work and recreational activities, thereby improving quality of life (Bongi \& Rosso, 2016). Exercises that stretch the mouth and increase mouth opening are reported to prevent the progression of microstomia and reduce limitations in mouth opening (Puzio et al., 2019; Yuen et al., 2012). Some approaches and techniques involving active exercises for managing microstomia are suggested, indicating success with the performance of mandibular movements (Puzio et al., 2019).

Programs that include hand and oral rehabilitation interventions are needed to prevent hand deformities and oral dysfunctions, ensure positive body perception, provide coping strategies and maintain quality of life (Schouffoer et al., 2011; Vannajak et al., 2014). However, individuals with a rare disease such as scleroderma face many challenges, including lack of knowledge about the disease, difficulties in accurate diagnosis and limited treatment and support options. Professional support services that are usually provided to individuals with more common diseases are not available for scleroderma patients (Delisle et al., 2019).

Scleroderma is a chronic disease that affects multiple systems and can present numerous symptoms and complications, impacting individuals physically, psychologically and socially. Therefore, the care of patients with scleroderma requires an interdisciplinary holistic health approach that encompasses both physical and emotional support. The rarity of scleroderma, the fact that many patients live far from physical therapy and rehabilitation clinics or the necessity of continuous participation in a program necessitates the implementation of nurse-led home programs (Murphy et al., 2018).

03

Conditions studied

  • Scleroderma, Systemic
  • Scleroderma, Diffuse
  • Scleroderma, Limited
  • Hand Rheumatism
  • Mouth Movement Impaired

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Keywords

  • exercise
  • hand and mouth functional outcomes
  • nursing
  • scleroderma
  • quality of life
04

In context

Scleroderma, Diffuse Reclassified

310 studies on the registry are indexed under Scleroderma, Diffuse; 76 are open to participants now.

This study's enrollment of 44 is above the median of 38 across 227 interventional studies indexed under Scleroderma, Diffuse.

Browse Scleroderma, Diffuse studies →

Lead sponsor

Trakya University is the lead sponsor of 155 studies on the registry; 15 are open to participants now.

Compared within Scleroderma, Diffuse, this study's primary condition as ClinicalTrials.gg classifies it; the registry's first condition term is Scleroderma, Systemic. The counts are of registry records indexed under each term, refreshed daily. How we classify →

05

Who can participate

Ages eligible
18 Years to 70 Years
Sexes eligible
All
Accepts healthy volunteers
Yes

Go through the criteria one by one — yes, no or not sure — and take the list to your doctor or the study team. Kept in this browser only.

Inclusion criteria

  • The inclusion criteria were being aged between 18 to 70 years, having no communication problems, being able to speak Turkish and agreeing to participate in the study.

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

  • . The exclusion criteria were not having the ability to regularly perform hand and mouth exercises, having undergone hand surgery in the last six months, having open wounds or contractures on the hand, having hand and mouth functional disorders due to reasons other than scleroderma, having no teeth, having all upper and lower teeth as dentures and being included in a rehabilitation program in the last three months.
06

Study design

Phase
Not applicable
Primary purpose
Supportive care
Allocation
Randomized
Intervention model
Parallel assignment
Masking
None (open label)
Enrollment
44 participants (actual)

Study arms

  • Experimental
    Exercise Program

    In the control group the standard protocol was applied. The standard protocol included routine care and treatment practices conducted by the same physician at the same institution. In the intervention group in addition to the standard protocol, an exercise program intervention was applied and after the initial interview the "Exercise Program DVD" was provided through mobile phone. All patients were evaluated 4 times: at baseline, at the 4th week (first visit), at the 8th week (second visit) and at the 12th week (final visit) after randomization

    Other: Exercise Program

  • No intervention
    Standart Protocol

    The standard protocol included routine care and treatment practices conducted by the same physician at the same institution.

Interventions

  • OtherExercise Program

    In the intervention group in addition to the standard protocol, an exercise program intervention was applied and after the initial interview the "Exercise Program DVD" was provided through mobile phone. All patients were evaluated 4 times: at baseline, at the 4th week (first visit), at the 8th week (second visit) and at the 12th week (final visit) after randomization

07

What researchers measure

Primary outcomes

  1. Demographic and disease characteristics of the participants

    Of the patients included in the study, 50.0% (22 patients) were in the intervention group and 50.0% (22 patients) were in the control group. 95.5% of the intervention group were women and 4.5% were men, with the control group also comprising 95.5% women and 4.5% men patients. The mean age of the all patients was 51.70 ± 11.11 years. 63.6% of patients in the intervention group and 59.1% of patients in the control group were diagnosed with diffuse cutaneous scleroderma. The mean duration of scleroderma diagnosis of all the patients was 9.54 ± 6.73 years for the intervention group and 9.4 ± 6.20 years for the control group. The majority in both groups (63.6% in the intervention group / 95.5% in the control group) were nonsmokers. Table 1 compares the demographic and disease characteristics of the groups. Groups were similar with regard to the demographic and disease characteristics.

    Time frame: After 12 weeks

Secondary outcomes

  1. Hand functional outcomes of the participants

    Upon examining the final follow-up hand functional outcomes of the intervention and control group patients, it has been observed that there is a statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of the average total score of the Duruöz Hand Scale for all sub-dimensions including kitchen, dressing, cleaning, workplace and other activities, as well as the overall average total score (p\<0.05)

    Time frame: After 12 weeks

Other outcomes

  1. Oral functional results of the participants

    The mouth opening measurements at the final follow-up of the intervention and control group patients included in the study are compared in Table 3. A statistically significant difference was found between the final follow-up mouth opening measurement values of the groups (p\<0.05)

    Time frame: After 12 weeks

  2. Quality of life results of the participants

    The final follow-up scores of the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL) Scale averages for the patients in the intervention and control groups who participated in the study were compared. When all subdomains of the scale were evaluated, it was determined that there was a statistically significant difference between the final follow-up total score averages for the physical, psychological, social and environmental domains of the patients in both the intervention and control groups (p\<0.05)

    Time frame: After 12 weeks

08

Study locations

1 site
  • Gizem Özbudak
    Edirne, Turkey
09

References and documents

Publications

  • Sierra-Sepulveda A, Esquinca-Gonzalez A, Benavides-Suarez SA, Sordo-Lima DE, Caballero-Islas AE, Cabral-Castaneda AR, Rodriguez-Reyna TS. Systemic Sclerosis Pathogenesis and Emerging Therapies, beyond the Fibroblast. Biomed Res Int. 2019 Jan 23;2019:4569826. doi: 10.1155/2019/4569826. eCollection 2019. PubMed 30809542 ↗
  • Rosendahl AH, Schonborn K, Krieg T. Pathophysiology of systemic sclerosis (scleroderma). Kaohsiung J Med Sci. 2022 Mar;38(3):187-195. doi: 10.1002/kjm2.12505. Epub 2022 Mar 2. PubMed 35234358 ↗
  • Kowal-Bielecka O, Fransen J, Avouac J, Becker M, Kulak A, Allanore Y, Distler O, Clements P, Cutolo M, Czirjak L, Damjanov N, Del Galdo F, Denton CP, Distler JHW, Foeldvari I, Figelstone K, Frerix M, Furst DE, Guiducci S, Hunzelmann N, Khanna D, Matucci-Cerinic M, Herrick AL, van den Hoogen F, van Laar JM, Riemekasten G, Silver R, Smith V, Sulli A, Tarner I, Tyndall A, Welling J, Wigley F, Valentini G, Walker UA, Zulian F, Muller-Ladner U; EUSTAR Coauthors. Update of EULAR recommendations for the treatment of systemic sclerosis. Ann Rheum Dis. 2017 Aug;76(8):1327-1339. doi: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2016-209909. Epub 2016 Nov 9. PubMed 27941129 ↗
  • Singh D, Parihar AK, Patel S, Srivastava S, Diwan P, Singh MR. Scleroderma: An insight into causes, pathogenesis and treatment strategies. Pathophysiology. 2019 Jun;26(2):103-114. doi: 10.1016/j.pathophys.2019.05.003. Epub 2019 May 18. PubMed 31130325 ↗
  • Alhendi FJ, Werth VP, Sollecito TP, Stoopler ET. Systemic sclerosis: Update for oral health care providers. Spec Care Dentist. 2020 Sep;40(5):418-430. doi: 10.1111/scd.12492. Epub 2020 Jul 6. PubMed 33448431 ↗
  • Benz K, Baulig C, Knippschild S, Strietzel FP, Hunzelmann N, Jackowski J. Prevalence of Oral and Maxillofacial Disorders in Patients with Systemic Scleroderma-A Systematic Review. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2021 May 14;18(10):5238. doi: 10.3390/ijerph18105238. PubMed 34069099 ↗
  • Sierakowska M, Doroszkiewicz H, Sierakowska J, Olesinska M, Grabowska-Jodkowska A, Brzosko M, Leszczynski P, Pawlak-Bus K, Batko B, Wiland P, Majdan M, Bykowska-Sochacka M, Romanowski W, Zon-Giebel A, Jeka S, Ndosi M. Factors associated with quality of life in systemic sclerosis: a cross-sectional study. Qual Life Res. 2019 Dec;28(12):3347-3354. doi: 10.1007/s11136-019-02284-9. Epub 2019 Sep 3. PubMed 31482431 ↗
  • Hughes M, Pauling JD, Armstrong-James L, Denton CP, Galdas P, Flurey C. Gender-related differences in systemic sclerosis. Autoimmun Rev. 2020 Apr;19(4):102494. doi: 10.1016/j.autrev.2020.102494. Epub 2020 Feb 13. PubMed 32062031 ↗
  • Gregory WJ, Wilkinson J, Herrick AL. A randomised controlled trial of wax baths as an additive therapy to hand exercises in patients with systemic sclerosis. Physiotherapy. 2019 Sep;105(3):370-377. doi: 10.1016/j.physio.2018.08.008. Epub 2018 Sep 5. PubMed 30318128 ↗
  • Mugii N, Matsushita T, Oohata S, Okita H, Yahata T, Someya F, Hasegawa M, Fujimoto M, Takehara K, Hamaguchi Y. Long-term follow-up of finger passive range of motion in Japanese systemic sclerosis patients treated with self-administered stretching. Mod Rheumatol. 2019 May;29(3):484-490. doi: 10.1080/14397595.2018.1466635. Epub 2018 May 15. PubMed 29667474 ↗
  • Marcatto de Abreu MF, Landim S, Yuamoto FY, Lins C, Magalhaes EP, Etchebehere M. Screening tool development for hand surgery referrals in systemic sclerosis. Clinics (Sao Paulo). 2023 Aug 17;78:100270. doi: 10.1016/j.clinsp.2023.100270. eCollection 2023. PubMed 37597472 ↗
  • Maddali-Bongi S, Del Rosso A. Systemic sclerosis: rehabilitation as a tool to cope with disability. Clin Exp Rheumatol. 2016 Sep-Oct;34 Suppl 100(5):162-169. Epub 2016 Jul 4. PubMed 27384349 ↗
  • Vannajak K, Boonprakob Y, Eungpinichpong W, Ungpansattawong S, Nanagara R. The short-term effect of gloving in combination with Traditional Thai Massage, heat, and stretching exercise to improve hand mobility in scleroderma patients. J Ayurveda Integr Med. 2014 Jan;5(1):50-5. doi: 10.4103/0975-9476.128859. PubMed 24812476 ↗
  • Puzio A, Przywara-Chowaniec B, Postek-Stefanska L, Mrowka-Kata K, Trzaska K. Systemic sclerosis and its oral health implications. Adv Clin Exp Med. 2019 Apr;28(4):547-554. doi: 10.17219/acem/76847. PubMed 30079996 ↗
  • Uras C, Mastroeni S, Tabolli S, Masini C, Pallotta S, Teofoli P, Rocco G, Mazzanti C, Abeni D. A comparison between two educational methods in the rehabilitation of the microstomia in systemic sclerosis: a randomized controlled trial. Clin Rehabil. 2019 Nov;33(11):1747-1756. doi: 10.1177/0269215519858395. Epub 2019 Jun 19. PubMed 31216880 ↗
  • Schouffoer AA, Ninaber MK, Beaart-van de Voorde LJ, van der Giesen FJ, de Jong Z, Stolk J, Voskuyl AE, Scherptong RW, van Laar JM, Schuerwegh AJ, Huizinga TW, Vlieland TP. Randomized comparison of a multidisciplinary team care program with usual care in patients with systemic sclerosis. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2011 Jun;63(6):909-17. doi: 10.1002/acr.20448. PubMed 21312348 ↗
  • Yuen HK, Marlow NM, Reed SG, Mahoney S, Summerlin LM, Leite R, Slate E, Silver RM. Effect of orofacial exercises on oral aperture in adults with systemic sclerosis. Disabil Rehabil. 2012;34(1):84-9. doi: 10.3109/09638288.2011.587589. Epub 2011 Sep 27. PubMed 21951278 ↗
  • Delisle VC, Gumuchian ST, El-Baalbaki G, Korner A, Malcarne VL, Pelaez S, Carrier ME, Pepin M, Thombs BD; Scleroderma Support Group Project Advisory Team. Training and support needs of scleroderma support group facilitators: the North American Scleroderma Support Group Facilitators Survey. Disabil Rehabil. 2019 Oct;41(20):2477-2482. doi: 10.1080/09638288.2018.1467970. Epub 2018 Apr 26. PubMed 29696997 ↗
  • Murphy SL, Barber MW, Homer K, Dodge C, Cutter GR, Khanna D. Occupational Therapy Treatment to Improve Upper Extremity Function in Individuals with Early Systemic Sclerosis: A Pilot Study. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2018 Nov;70(11):1653-1660. doi: 10.1002/acr.23522. PubMed 29381834 ↗

Individual participant data

Plan to share: No

10

Timeline

Tracking since Sep 25, 2026
ElapsedEstimatedEstimated, not yet reachedSimilar studies: half by the dot; the band is the middle halfHalf of similar studies reached it by the dot; the band is the middle half, from a quarter to three quarters

Ran from Feb 2021 to primary completion in Feb 2021, 0 months.

Of 51 non-industry interventional studies with no phase under Scleroderma, Diffuse, half reached primary completion within 14 months of starting (the median), counting those still running; a quarter within 4 and three quarters within 27. This study's 0 months is below that.

Counting every sponsor, half of 53 studies reached it within 16 months; a quarter within 4 and three quarters within 28.

How these figures are worked out, and which studies are left out of them.

Registered
May 10, 2024
First posted
May 22, 2024
StartActual
Feb 5, 2021
Primary completionActual
Feb 5, 2021
CompletionActual
Dec 5, 2021
Last update
May 22, 2024
What these dates mean
Start.
When the first participant enrolled; while estimated, when the study expects to open to recruitment.
Primary completion.
When the last participant was examined or treated to collect data for the study's main question, its primary outcome. A study that stopped early gives the date its data collection stopped.
Completion.
When the last participant's last visit took place, for every outcome, secondary ones and side effects included: the end of the study. Often later than primary completion, sometimes the same day.
Actual and Est.
Actual means the registry says the date has happened. Est. (estimated) is a date the sponsor plans or expects. It can still move, and the sponsor is expected to change it to actual once it has passed.
No changes since tracking began. The registry record was last updated on May 22, 2024, before this site started recording changes on Sep 25, 2026. Its history is on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
11

Registry details

Key details

Study ID
NCT06425653
Lead sponsor
Trakya University
Collaborators
The Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey
Responsible party
Gizem Özbudak (Lecturer, Trakya University) — Principal investigator
First posted
May 22, 2024
Start date
Feb 5, 2021
Primary completion
Feb 5, 2021
Completion
Dec 5, 2021
Last update
May 22, 2024

Study contacts

Gizem Özbudak, PhD
principal investigator · Trakya University
Serap Özer, PhD
study chair · Ege University
Figen Yargucu Zihni, MD
study chair · Ege University

Oversight

Data monitoring committee
Yes
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
View the source record on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

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