Dataglove to Measure Joint Stiffness in Patients With Arthritis

The Evaluation of a Dataglove to Measure Joint Stiffness in Patients With Arthritis

This study will investigate if an electronic dataglove can be used to measure joint stiffness in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

We will use a dataglove to record joint movements in a small number of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The aim of the study is to find out if changes in dynamic movements measured by the glove will correlate with symptoms of joint stiffness in the hands of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Male and female patients aged 18 to 80
• Diagnosis of Rheumatoid arthritis
• Patients who have significant pain and stiffness in their hands
• Correct hand size to achieve a good fit to the dataglove
• Able to follow instructions for use of dataglove/computer

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severe pain in the right hand
• Severe swelling in the right hand (rated as such by the investigator)
• Severe permanent deformity or loss of function in the fingers of the right hand
• Broken or infected skin in the right hand
• Known to have been MRSA positive currently or in the past
• Unable to don and doff the disposable lining glove and the dataglove without significant discomfort
• Poor fit for the disposable lining glove or the dataglove
• History of latex allergy