Grip endurance in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: Its relationship between clinical characteristics, upper extremity functional disability, and quality of life.

Abstract

The study's aim was to investigate the relationship of grip strength and endurance with clinical characteristics, upper extremity functional disability, and quality of life in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. We included 45 RA patients and 37 healthy controls in this cross-sectional study. All participants were evaluated using the maximal gripping test, static and dynamic grip endurance test, the Disability of Arm, Shoulder Hand Questionnaire, and Short Form-36, and sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were recorded. Moderate to strong correlations were found between functional disability and all of the grip-related variables. Physical, emotional, and social function sub-scores were correlated with grip strength on both sides and dynamic endurance on the dominant side. The study highlights grip-related variables associated with disability of the upper extremity. The grip strength was related to hand-wrist pain but not other clinical characteristics. Furthermore, grip strength on both sides and dynamic grip endurance on the dominant side were associated with some quality of life sub-scores. While therapists create a rehabilitation plan for RA patients, based on our findings, it may be beneficial to maximize therapeutic benefits on daily life and quality of life.