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Explore the transformative potential of exercise as a non-pharmacological treatment for systemic sclerosis (SSc) in this comprehensive 41-minute webinar. Discover how supervised aerobic, resistance, and combined exercise programs can safely and effectively improve microvascular function, quality of life, and symptom burden in people living with this complex condition characterized by vasculopathy, fibrosis, fatigue, pain, and compromised microcirculation. Learn from recent clinical trial evidence demonstrating that a 12-week combined aerobic plus resistance training protocol achieved exceptional adherence rates of approximately 93% with full retention, high enjoyment, and strong intention for ongoing participation among participants with limited cutaneous SSc. Examine studies showing how upper- and lower-limb high-intensity interval training (HIIT) interventions improved endothelial-dependent vasodilation and life satisfaction while reducing discomfort related to Raynaud's phenomenon. Review pilot research highlighting favorable effects of supervised exercise on cardiac autonomic function and right-ventricular morphology, supporting broader cardiopulmonary benefits. Gain insights from real patient experiences through video testimonials where people living with SSc share their journey through supervised exercise programs, describing how they felt, how it changed their daily lives, and what challenges and enablers they encountered. Access practical guidance on designing and delivering exercise programs for SSc, engaging participants effectively, and interpreting the latest research findings for clinical application. Benefit from the expertise of Dr. Alexandros Mitropoulos, Research Fellow at Sheffield Hallam University and Clinical Exercise Physiologist specializing in exercise-based interventions for rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases, who recently led a FOREUM-funded European multi-centre randomized controlled trial and serves as co-author of EULAR Task Force recommendations on non-pharmacological treatments in systemic sclerosis.
