Investigation of Upper Extremity Functions in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Investigation of Upper Extremity Exercise Capacity, Hand Grip Strength and Daily Living Activities in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

There are limited studies in the literature evaluating upper extremity functional exercise capacity, muscle functions and daily living activities in rheumatoid arthritis patients. In this context, the aim of this study was to investigate upper extremity exercise capacity, hand grip strength and daily living activities in rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an inflammatory autoimmune chronic and systemic disease of unknown etiology. In addition to musculoskeletal involvement, lung involvement can also be observed in patients. Lung involvement and accompanying symptoms cause deterioration of physical function, quality of life and functional capacity. In rheumatoid arthritis, dyspnea can be observed during exertion due to disease progression, drug toxicity and respiratory/cardiovascular morbidities. In patients, decreased respiratory muscle strength, respiratory functions, carbon monoxide diffusion capacity and oxygen consumption also cause decreased physical functions. It has been reported that upper extremity exercise capacity and functional performance are reduced in patients with interstitial lung disease. It is known that peripheral muscle strength is an independent determinant of exercise capacity in interstitial lung disease. Rheumatoid cachexia, characterized by decreased muscle mass and increased fat mass, is observed in rheumatoid arthritis patients. Since the patients' accessory respiratory muscles are also affected, it can negatively affect their daily life activities, especially those that use the upper extremities.

Inclusion Criteria:

Inclusion criteria for patients with rheumatoid arthritis

• Patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis,
• Between the ages of 18-75 years,
• Patients who volunteer to participate in the study will be included in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

Exclusion criteria for patients with rheumatoid arthritis

• Those with serious cardiopulmonary, neurological, neuromuscular, orthopedic and other systemic diseases or other diseases affecting physical functions,
• Those who have participated in a planned exercise program in the last three months
• Those with cognitive impairment that will cause difficulty in understanding and following exercise test instructions
• Patients with contraindications for exercise testing or exercise training according to the American Sports Medicine Association will not be included in the study.