Reumatizam, Vol. 67 No. 2, 2020.
Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.33004/reumatizam-67-2-7
New parameters of hand grip in rheumatoid arthritis patients based on electrodynamic measurements – a pilot evaluation study
Ines Doko Vajdić
; 1University Department of Rheumatology, Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Sestre Milosrdnice University Hospital Center, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
Amir Dubravić
; Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
Ivan Michieli
; Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
Branka Medved Rogina
; Ruđer Bošković Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
Simeon Grazio
; 1University Department of Rheumatology, Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, Sestre Milosrdnice University Hospital Center, School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
Introduction: In rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation and damage lead to functional impairment. As the hand is a typical site of involvement, lower grip strength is often found in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. In these patients it is necessary to evaluate the hand grip impairment in a more detailed way. The aim of this study was to analyze a new method for measuring hand grip. Methods: An expert electronic measuring system for obtaining dynamic time series of hand grip force was developed. We tested it in a sample of 24 participants, 12 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 12 age- and sex- matched healthy controls. The main dynamometric parameters obtained were: maximum grip force, fatigue, grip velocity, and
functional potential. These were measured at the baseline and at 60, 120, and 180 days. Results: Compared to the control group, at baseline the patients with rheumatoid arthritis had a significantly lower maximum grip force (68.2 vs. 97.3), earlier occurrence of fatigue (22.4 vs. 24.9), as well as lower grip velocity (14.8 vs. 22.2) and functional potential (808.2 vs. 1876.3). A significant improvement in all measured variables was observed during the follow-up period. Conclusion: In our pilot study we tested a newly developed electrodynamometer measuring system and found that it can provide an objective and detailed description of the hand condition. This system has the potential to be used as a relevant indicator of hand function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis as well as to help tailor their rehabilitation.
Keywords
Arthritis, rheumatoid – physiopathology, rehabilitation; Hand – physiopatholoy; Hand strength; Muscle strength dynamometer; Pilot projects
Hrčak ID:
262172
URI
Publication date:
14.9.2021.
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