TELEMEDICINE 2027 Open access

The effectiveness of telerehabilitation in people diagnosed with systemic sclerosis: a feasibility study

A. Boffelli,1 T. Nava,2 A. Tassoni3 | 1School of Physiotherapy, University of Brescia; 2School of Physiotherapy, University of Milan; 3University of Brescia, Italy

Authors

Published
28 January 2026
Section
TELEMEDICINE 2027
DOI
10.4081/gimle.751

Abstract

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a rare autoimmune disease.1 Telerehabilitation may represent a valid non-pharmacological intervention.2-5 The aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a telerehabilitation program in patients with SSc. Fifteen patients participated in a telerehabilitation program with a physiotherapist, including joint and soft tissue mobilization and educational sessions. Outcomes were assessed pre- (T0) and post-intervention (T1) using interincisal distance, the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), the Duruöz Hand Index, the Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS), and pain and fatigue intensity (VAS). At T1, interincisal distance significantly improved (T0: 29.47±1.79 vs. T1: 33.2±1.60; p=0.003). Reductions were observed in HAQ (−21.1%), hand disability (−5%), fatigue (−5%) and pain (−4.8%), with a slight increase in mental fatigue (+4.2%). Telerehabilitation showed positive effects on functional outcomes in patients with SSc, supporting its role as an adjunct to conventional rehabilitation.

 

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Keywords

References

  1. 1. Volkmann ER, Andréasson K, Smith V. Systemic sclerosis. Lancet 2023;401:304-18.
  2. 2. Parodis I, Girard-Guyonvarc’h C, Arnaud L, et al. EULAR recommendations for the non-pharmacological management of systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis. Ann Rheum Dis 2024;83:720-9.
  3. 3. Civi Karaaslan T, Tarakci E, Keles O, et al. Comparison of telerehabilitation methods for patients with systemic sclerosis in the COVID-19 Era: A randomized controlled study. J Hand Ther 2023;36:751-69.
  4. 4. Navas‐Otero A, Gómez‐De‐Castro S, Ortiz‐Rubio A, et al. Effects of non‐pharmacological therapies on hand function and the ability to perform daily activities in people with systemic sclerosis: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized control trials. Int J Rheum Dis 2023;26:1029-40.
  5. 5. Yuen HK, Marlow NM, Reed SG, et al. Effect of orofacial exercises on oral aperture in adults with systemic sclerosis. Disabil Rehabil 2012;34:84-9.

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