The Impact of Resistance Exercise Program on Muscle Strength, Functional Performance, and Quality of Life in Patients with Rheumatologic Disease Receiving High-Dose Glucocorticoids Treatment: A Randomized Trial

Abstract

Background/Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic exercises in improving muscle strength, functional status, and quality of life in patients receiving high-dose glucocorticoid therapy, which is known to cause muscle weakness and atrophy.

Materials and Methods: This randomized, controlled, single-center study included 40 participants aged 18-65 years who received high-dose glucocorticoids due to chronic rheumatologic conditions, and the patients were divided into 2 groups: an exercise group and a control group. The exercise group performed lower-extremity resistance exercises for 3 months. The exercise program consisted of squats, seated leg extensions, seated leg curls, hip abductions, and seated calf raises performed 5 days per week. Functional assessments included the 6-minute walk test, the Five Times Sit To Stand Test, and the Timed Up and Go Test. Muscle strength was measured using a dynamometer, quality of life was assessed with the Short Form Health Survey questionnaire, and the cross-sectional area (CSA) of the rectus femoris muscle was evaluated via B-mode ultrasound. Patients were assessed at baseline and after 3 months of treatment.

Results: Twenty patients were included in each group, with no significant differences in baseline characteristics. Compared with the control group, a significant increase was observed in knee extension strength (P = .00 for right and left knees) and quality of life in terms of physical function in the exercise group. However, no significant differences were found in the 6-minute walk test, the Five Times Sit To Stand Test, the Timed Up and Go Test, or the rectus femoris muscle CSA.

Conclusion: In patients with rheumatologic diseases treated with highdose glucocorticoids, resistance exercise therapy can increase knee extension strength and quality of life in terms of physical function.

Cite this article as: Karacaatlı M, Abacar K, Karabacak M, et al. The impact of resistance exercise program on muscle strength, functional performance, and quality of life in patients with rheumatologic disease receiving high-dose glucocorticoids treatment: A randomized trial. ArchRheumatol. 2026;41(1):40-46.