Effect of Quadriceps Muscle on Physical Outcome Measures in Women With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Evaluation of Morphologic Parameters of Quadriceps Muscle Predicting Disease Activity, Physical Performance and Quality of Life in Women With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Studies have reported that individuals with Rheumatoid Arthritis have a smaller muscle cross-sectional area, pennation angle and muscle thickness than healthy controls. Sarcopenia may decrease physical performance and quality of life in individuals with RA. Therefore, morphologic changes in the quadriceps femoris muscle due to sarcopenia may help us to gain insight into physical function and quality of life. This study aims to evaluate the predictive capacity of morphologic characteristics of the quadriceps femoris muscle for disease activity, physical performance, and quality of life in women with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Studies have reported that individuals with Rheumatoid Arthritis have a smaller muscle cross-sectional area, pennation angle and muscle thickness than healthy controls. Sarcopenia may decrease physical performance and quality of life in individuals with RA. Therefore, morphologic changes in the quadriceps femoris muscle due to sarcopenia may help us to gain insight into physical function and quality of life. This study aims to evaluate the predictive capacity of morphologic characteristics of the quadriceps femoris muscle for disease activity, physical performance, and quality of life in women with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Within the scope of the study, the morphological characteristics of the quadriceps muscle of the participants will be evaluated by a Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation specialist physician via ultrasound. After appropriate visualization, the image will be captured and saved in JPEG format, and will be exported to the ImageJ program for further analysis and evaluations will be performed by an anatomist. Assessments of quality of life and physical performance will be made by a physiotherapist involved in the study.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18-60 years old
• Female participants with a confirmed diagnosis of RA for at least 3 years according to the 2010 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria
• Presence of sarcopenia

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of fractures, burns or lesions in the area to be measured
• Presence of any neuromuscular, cardiovascular or metabolic disease,
• Individuals with knee endoprosthesis,
• Inability to walk