Virtual Reality and Robotics in Inflammatory Myopathy Rehabilitation

The Manual Muscle Testing (MMT-8) evaluates the strength of eight designated muscle groups: Deltoid, Biceps, Wrist extensors, Quadriceps, Ankle dorsiflexors, Neck flexors, Gluteus medius, and Gluteus maximus. Each muscle group is rated on a scale from 0 to 10 points, with the total score ranging from 0 to 150.

The Functional Index-3 (FI-3) involves the assessment of the number of repetitions of shoulder flexion, neck flexion, and hip flexion. Maximum number of repetitions for shoulder flexion and hip flexion is 60 each. Maximum number of repetitions for neck flexion is 30. The total score (summation of the individual tasks divided by 3) ranges from 0 to 50.

Ergospirometry assesses maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max), defined as the maximum amount of oxygen consumed per minute per kilogram of body weight (mL/kg/min). A higher VO₂max reflects greater aerobic fitness and functional exercise capacity.

Self-assessment tool to measure the functional status. The score ranges from 0 to 3, where 0 indicates no difficulty in performing daily physical activities, and 3 indicates an inability to perform them

Gait analysis is performed on a force-sensing Zebris® treadmill. Step length, stride length, cadence, velocity, step time, stride time, single limb support are measured.

Centre of pressure path length measured with the use of Zebris® treadmill system

In a Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT) a total distance walked by a patient (in meters) is recorded. A greater distance covered indicates better physical performance and higher functional capacity.

Reference range: 39-308 U/L

Reference rage: 135-225 U/L

Reference range: < 5 mg/L

self-assessment tool to measure patient's overall disease activity using a 10 cm visual analogue scale where 0 cm indicates no evidence of disease activity and 10 cm indicates extremely active or severe disease activity

The WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire is used for self-assessment across four domains: physical health, psychological health, social relationships, and environment. Each item is scored from 1 (very unhappy) to 5 (very happy). Total score ranges from 0 to 100.

DASS-42 (depression, anxiety, stress scale). The score in each category (depression, anxiety, stress) ranges from 0 to 42. A higher score is an indicator of greater intensity of the assessed trait.

Modified Fatigue Impact Scale (MFIS): the score ranges from 0 to 84, where 0 indicates the lowest level of fatigue and 84 indicates the highest level of fatigue

Pain coping strategies questionnaire (CSQ), the score in each strategy (distraction, re-evaluation of pain, catastrophizing, ignoring sensations, praying/hoping, declaring coping, increased behavioral activity) ranges from 0 to 6. The higher the score, the greater the importance attributed to the given coping strategy for pain.

Big Five Inventory questionnaire (BFI-2) is used to assess 5 personality domains: extraversion, agreeableness, conscientiousness, neuroticism and openness. Each statement is rated from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Higher scores indicate a greater tendency toward that personality trait.