Systemic sclerosis & Raynaud's
High-intensity interval and resistance training programme improves pain and fatigue outcomes in people with systemic sclerosis: a European multicentre randomised controlled trial
Authors' conclusion
A 12-week supervised combined upper body exercise programme can improve pain, fatigue, depression, QoL, function, strength and cardiorespiratory fitness in PwSSc.
Study context
- Population
- People with SSc (89% limited cutaneous SSc), 6 European centres89% limited cutaneous SSc
- Participants
- 170 people
- Comparison
- 12-week supervised high-intensity interval training (HIIT) plus resistance training in addition to usual care vs usual care alone
- Primary endpoint
- Pain and fatigue
- Follow-up
- 12 weeks
Methodological detailsmulticentre, European
- Multicentre
- European
Primary result
As reported in the abstract
Mean group difference (pain) (95% CI)P value
Between EIG and UCG
0.48(0.21–0.76)
P < 0.05- Exercise intervention group (EIG) vs usual care group (UCG)
- mean group difference (fatigue) −10.4 (95% CI 19.4 to −1.4); P < 0.05
Secondary outcomes
| Outcome | P value |
|---|---|
| Depression · 12 weeksSignificantly improved in EIG | P < 0.001 |
| QoL and self-reported function · 12 weeksSignificantly improved in EIG | P < 0.05 |
| Musculoskeletal strength and endurance (exploratory) · 12 weeksSignificantly improved in EIG | P < 0.01 |
| Cardiorespiratory fitness (exploratory) · 12 weeksSignificantly improved in EIG | P < 0.001 |
Original publication
High-intensity interval and resistance training programme improves pain and fatigue outcomes in people with systemic sclerosis: a European multicentre randomised controlled trial. RMD Open. Published 11 November 2025. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →