Kinesiotherapy for quality of life, pain and muscle strength of rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus patient. Case report

ABSTRACT BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory, chronic and progressive disease. It impairs joint synovial membranes and may induce bone and cartilage destruction. Many diseases may follow rheumatoid arthritis, including systemic lupus erythematosus, an inflammatory, chronic autoimmune disease with multisystemic manifestations, with periods of remission and exacerbation. This study aimed at reporting kinesiotherapy intervention for quality of life, pain and muscle strength of a patient with rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. CASE REPORT: Female patient, 49 years old, diagnosed 15 years ago with rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus. Patient complained of pain on hands, feet and lumbar spine, with irradiation to lower limb and morning stiffness. Tool to measure muscle function was Biodex System3 Pro isokinetic dynamometer in the speeds of 120 and 240° during knee flexion and extension movements, in addition to the Short-Form Health Survey questionnaire and pain evaluation by the visual analog scale. CONCLUSION: The study has shown that kinesiotherapybased physiotherapy is effective to relieve pain and improve muscle strength and quality of life of patient with systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis.