Conclusions: SSc-patients have markedly reduced muscle endurance and muscle function compared with reference values and patients with moderate-endstage lung disease have reduced lower extremity muscle function compared to patients with no-mild lung disease. SSc-patients have slightly less AROM than controls and dcSSc-patients are more restricted than lcSSc. This study highlights the importance of identifying patients with an enhanced risk of developing severe muscle impairments. We suggest that

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... physiotherapists regularly assess muscle function using standardised tests and when needed initiate exercise to improve function