Investigating the lower extremity-related anaerobic exercise capacity and functional status in adult patients with familial Mediterranean fever

Abstract

Objectives: No studies examined the lower extremity-related anaerobic exercise capacity or functional status in adult patients with FMF.

Methods: Twenty-four patients with FMF (12 males) and 24 age-sex-matched healthy controls (13 males) were included in the study. Lower extremity-related anaerobic exercise capacity was assessed by using Wingate Anaerobic Test. Lower extremity-related functional status was examined by using 9-Step Stair Climb Test, 10-Repetition Chair Stand Test, and Six-Minute Walking Distance. Muscle strength of hip flexors, hip extensors, knee flexors, and knee extensors were evaluated by using a hand-held dynamometer.

Results: Patients with FMF had significantly poorer results in all anaerobic exercise capacity parameters and functional status assessments (P < 0.05), except muscle strength measurements (P > 0.05). Both average and peak anaerobic exercise capacities correlated significantly with all muscle strength measurements, 9-Step Stair Climb Test, 10-Repetition Chair Stand Test times, and Six-Minute Walk Distances (P < 0.05) in patients with FMF.

Conclusion: Lower extremity-related anaerobic exercise capacity and functional status seem to be diminished in adult patients with FMF. Evaluating these parameters may be beneficial for planning more appropriate and individualized treatment regimens such as patient education and exercise counselling for patients with FMF.

Keywords: Familial Mediterranean fever; exercise capacity; functional status.