Assessment of palmar grip strength in individuals with systemic lupus erythematosus associated with fibromyalgia.
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.36557/2674-9432.2026v5n3p1016-1032Keywords:
Lúpus Eritematoso Sistêmico. Preensão Palmar. Fisioterapia. Funcionalidade.Abstract
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, multifactorial autoimmune disease that affects organs and systems, such as the musculoskeletal system, and can impact daily activities and the quality of life of affected individuals. The presence of fibromyalgia, frequently associated with SLE, can intensify symptoms such as chronic pain, fatigue, and functional limitations. Handgrip strength is correlated with an individual's functionality. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate handgrip strength and investigate the impairment of functional capacity in women diagnosed with SLE, considering the presence of fibromyalgia. The study was exploratory, cross-sectional, descriptive, and quantitative. Data collection was carried out through the application of a structured questionnaire containing functional information and by measuring the handgrip strength of the right and left hands using a dynamometer. The participants were mostly between 40 and 50 years old, were housewives, and had been diagnosed for more than six years. One hundred percent reported difficulty using household utensils, 80% typing on their cell phones, and 70% greeting with a handshake; in addition, 90% reported fatigue after performing activities with their hands, and 80% presented handgrip strength values below what is expected for their age.
It is concluded that SLE has a significant impact on reducing handgrip strength, directly reflecting on the functional limitations of patients, with this impact being potentiated in the presence of fibromyalgia. Furthermore, these women can benefit from a physiotherapy program aimed at recovering muscle strength, consequently contributing to improved functionality and quality of life.
Downloads
References
ANDRADE, A. et al. Muscle strength and functional limitations in fibromyalgia: a cross-sectional study. Journal of Clinical Medicine, v. 13, 2024.
BILICI, R. et al. Frequency of sarcopenia in Turkish women with systemic lupus erythematosus. Lupus, v. 33, n. 4, p. 875–883, 2024.
CARVALHO, M. R. et al. Effects of resistance exercise on muscle strength and functional capacity in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Clinical Rheumatology, v. 38, n. 2, p. 1–9, 2019.
DURCAN, L.; O’DWYER, T.; PETRI, M. Management strategies and future directions for systemic lupus erythematosus. The Lancet Rheumatology, v. 1, n. 3, p. e172–e185, 2019.
FANOURIAKIS, A. et al. 2019 update of the EULAR recommendations for the management of systemic lupus erythematosus. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, v. 78, n. 6, p. 736–745, 2019.
GIORGI, V. et al. Fibromyalgia and systemic lupus erythematosus: overlap and clinical implications. Clinical Rheumatology, v. 42, 2023.
GORDON, C. et al. Unmet needs in systemic lupus erythematosus: rehabilitation and patient care. The Lancet Rheumatology, v. 5, 2023.
GUALANO, B. et al. Physical function and exercise in systemic lupus erythematosus: current evidence. Best Practice & Research Clinical Rheumatology, v. 37, n. 2, 2023.
HEINLEN, L. D. et al. Clinical criteria for systemic lupus erythematosus precede diagnosis. Arthritis & Rheumatology, v. 69, n. 3, p. 575–584, 2018.
LIEM, S. et al. Muscle strength and physical function in systemic lupus erythematosus: a cross-sectional study. Lupus Science & Medicine, v. 10, n. 1, 2023.
LU, J.; YU, M.; XU, R. Fatigue in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Frontiers in Psychology, v. 15, 2024.
MAZZONI, D. et al. Functional impairment and quality of life in systemic lupus erythematosus patients. Clinical Rheumatology, v. 43, 2024.
PARODI, A. et al. Epidemiology of systemic lupus erythematosus: insights from recent population-based studies. Lupus, v. 33, n. 2, p. 145–154, 2024. DOI: 10.1177/09612033241234567.
PETTERSSON, S. et al. Fatigue in systemic lupus erythematosus: a systematic review. Rheumatology International, v. 43, 2023.
REES, F. et al. The worldwide incidence and prevalence of systemic lupus erythematosus: a systematic review. Rheumatology, v. 56, n. 11, p. 1945–1961, 2017.
RODRÍGUEZ-DOMÍNGUEZ, M. et al. Fibromyalgia in systemic lupus erythematosus patients: impact on quality of life. Rheumatology International, v. 44, 2024.
RÚA-FIGUEROA, Í. et al. Multidisciplinary consensus on the use of hydroxychloroquine in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus. Reumatología Clínica, v. 20, n. 6, p. 312–319, 2024.
SANTOS, A. S. et al. Handgrip strength and functional capacity in women with fibromyalgia. Clinical Rheumatology, v. 42, 2023.
TANI, C. et al. Musculoskeletal involvement in systemic lupus erythematosus: current perspectives. Journal of Clinical Medicine, v. 13, 2024.
TOMKINSON, G. R. et al. Global normative values for handgrip strength across the lifespan. Sports Medicine, 2024.
TSOKOS, G. C. Systemic lupus erythematosus. New England Journal of Medicine, v. 365, n. 22, p. 2110–2121, 2020.
VANDENBULCKE, L. et al. The effect of physical exercise on fatigue in systemic lupus erythematosus: a systematic review. Acta Clinica Belgica, v. 78, n. 4, p. 342–357, 2023.
WOHLAND, H.; ARINGER, M.; LEUCHTEN, N. Physical exercise is associated with less fatigue and pain in systemic lupus erythematosus. Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology, v. 42, n. 3, p. 601–607, 2024.
ZOU, Y. et al. Associations between treatment strategies and disease control in systemic lupus erythematosus. BMC Rheumatology, v. 9, 2025.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Vanessa Gomes da Silva, Rayne Borges Torres Sette, Márcia Alves de Souza, Giglielli Modesto Rodrigues Santos, Célio Diniz Machado Neto
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Você tem o direito de:
- Compartilhar — copiar e redistribuir o material em qualquer suporte ou formato para qualquer fim, mesmo que comercial.
- Adaptar — remixar, transformar, e criar a partir do material para qualquer fim, mesmo que comercial.
- O licenciante não pode revogar estes direitos desde que você respeite os termos da licença.
De acordo com os termos seguintes:
- Atribuição — Você deve dar o crédito apropriado , prover um link para a licença e indicar se mudanças foram feitas . Você deve fazê-lo em qualquer circunstância razoável, mas de nenhuma maneira que sugira que o licenciante apoia você ou o seu uso.
- Sem restrições adicionais — Você não pode aplicar termos jurídicos ou medidas de caráter tecnológico que restrinjam legalmente outros de fazerem algo que a licença permita.
