Hand strength in patients with RA correlates strongly with function but not with activity of disease

Abstract

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation of the joints, especially of the hands. The evaluation of handgrip strength (HS) and pinch strength can be useful to detect reduction in hand function in RA patients. The aim of the study was to compare HS and pinch strength between RA patients (RA Group-RAG) and a non-RA control group (CG) and to relate HS and pinch strength to functional capacity, duration and disease activity in the RAG. Methods: A cross-sectional case control study. The RAG was assessed for disease activity by the Disease Activity Score (DAS-28); for functional capacity by the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), the Cochin Hand Functional Scale (CHFS) questionnaire, and the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire; and for HS and pinch strength (2-point tip-to-tip, lateral or key, and 3-point) using Jamar® and pinch gauge dynamometers, respectively. Associations were analyzed by Pearson and Spearman tests, and groups were compared by the independent samples t test, with a significance level of P < 0.05. Results: The convenience sample included 121 rheumatoid patients and a control group matched by age, sex, and body mass index. The RAG showed lower strength values compared with the CG in all measurements (P < 0.01, 95% CI) and these values were associated with worse performance in the functional questionnaires and greater disease activity and duration. There was a strong correlation among the functional assessment instruments. Conclusions: The decrease in grip and pinch strength, easily measured by portable dynamometers, is a strong indicator of functional disability in RA patients.

Value of musculoskeletal ultrasound in assessment of rheumatoid hand function

“…Current study results were matching with Bircan et al's [21] and Verma and his colleagues' [4] studies where GAT scores were seen affected in 95 % of the studied RA patients. These findings were in agreement with the findings of Silva et al [22] who found that the handgrip strength was weak among the patients with RA compared with the controls. This is attributed to the joint damage, pain, and muscle weakness due to disuse and disease progression [23].…”

Is there an association between upper limb claudication and handgrip strength in Takayasu arteritis?

“…In addition, reduced handgrip strength was correlated with increased risk of chronic diseases and mortality, and reduced long-term functional capacity (35,37,38). In patients with systemic autoimmune diseases, impaired strength in this test is also related to reduced functional capacity or activities of daily living, thus corroborating our study's findings (14,39).…”

“…strength resulting from long-term vascular claudication (13,14 ORIGINAL PAPER and rested for 5 minutes before starting the measurement. The arm to be measured remained supported and extended at the height of the sternum, and the cuff was positioned around the arm and correctly adjusted.…”

Evaluation of quality of life, functionality and disability in patients with systemic sclerosis in a University Hospital

“…Our study obtained an average of 14.5 in CHFS, indicating a loss in functionality; it is important to emphasize that these patients have difficulties in specific tasks, like buttoning a shirt and peeling fruit, that prevents daily domestic tasks. It is also emphasized that the impairment of hand function in SSc can be similar or even worse than that described in other diseases that present with joint involvement of the hands, such as rheumatoid arthritis 20 or osteoarthritis.…”