Description

EULAR recommendations on non-pharmacological treatment of scleroderma emphasize physical activity and patient education, disease-specific, evidence-based management strategies tailored to the individual, and self-management. Physical exercise is the most widely studied disease management strategy in scleroderma.

There is a reported need for biopsychosocial treatment approaches in disease management for cases and individuals diagnosed with scleroderma; therefore, the use of biopsychosocial approaches in the field of exercise is also recommended.

The Cognitive Exercise Therapy Approach (BETY), an innovative exercise approach developed for adults diagnosed with rheumatic diseases, also aims to promote behavioral change through exercises that provide pain management and functional gains in pediatric rheumatology, and to prevent social isolation through group support. As in adults, there is a need for exercise approaches, such as BETY, that align with the biopsychosocial model in pediatric cases.

BETY, previously implemented via telerehabilitation in individuals diagnosed with systemic sclerosis, has been shown to have beneficial effects on functionality, muscle strength, vascular structures, inflammatory markers, and biopsychosocial status.

In this context, there is a clear need for interventions that support both children and adults diagnosed with scleroderma physically and psychosocially. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of BETY, an exercise approach based on the biopsychosocial model, in children and adults diagnosed with scleroderma.