Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic inflammatory and chronic disease of joints, which may result in irreversible deformities. To evaluate the effects of an exercise programme aimed at improving the hand strength in individuals with hand deformities resulting from RA and to analyse the impact these exercises have on functionality. Twenty women with RA hand deformities participated in the study. They were randomly divided into two groups as follows: Group 1 (n = 13) had women participating in the exercise programme aimed at improving handgrip (HS) and pinch strengths (PS) as well as the motor coordination of the hand; Group 2 (n = 7) had women with RA who received no treatment for their hands (control). The treatment programme for hands consisted of 20 sessions, twice a week and at-home exercises. Both groups were submitted to Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and evaluation of HS and PS by means of dynamometry. Re-evaluations were performed after 10 and 20 sessions in Group 1 and after 2 months in Group 2. After 20 sessions of physiotherapy, Group 1 had a significant gain in HS and PS (p < 0.05) in addition to the improvement of functionality as assessed by HAQ (p = 0.016). For Group 2, no difference was found between the variables analysed (p > 0.05). The strengthening exercises for individuals with RA hand deformity are beneficial to improve handgrip and pinch strengths as well as functionality.

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This study tests the association between weight status and depression in Italy using the Second Wave of the European Health Interview Survey (EHIS2) microdata, which also provide information on weight/height and eight depressive symptoms. Using a probit regression, the empirical results show a strong positive association between weight status, proxied by body mass index, and sleep troubles and eating disorders, with females suffering more than males. In addition, low interest is negatively associated with medium and high sources of income, while depressive mood and sense of failure are negatively associated with employment status. Individuals in midlife (45–54 years old) suffer from all depressive symptoms more than those in other age classes, with females suffering more than males, with the exception of low interest and depressive mood. Furthermore, individuals with a higher level of education have a lower likelihood of suffering from all depressive symptoms. These findings suggest that policies aimed at reducing obesity rates could also reduce new and emerging types of depressive symptoms correlated with overweight/obesity, such as sleep troubles and eating disturbances. JEL: J24, I12, I1, C25