The Relationship of Hand Sensory and Strength Assessments with Functionality and Kinesiophobia in Individuals with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic inflammatory disease that can involve all tissues with synovium. The wrist and hand, which are of great importance in our daily activities, are involved early and specifically because they are rich in synovium, which is the target tissue in RA.In many patients with rheumatoid arthritis, hand and wrist involvement is seen from the early stages of the disease. Pain, stiffness and swelling in the joint are accompanied by decreased range of motion and muscle strength.Hand functions have a very important place due to the fact that the hand must be used in countless daily life activities.Kinesiophobia is defined as a state of fear and avoidance of activity and physical movement caused by painful injury and sensitivity to repeated injury.The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between hand sensory and strength assessment, functionality and kinesiophobia in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis.Thirty patients who were followed up in the Rheumatology outpatient clinic of Fırat University Hospital and diagnosed with RA according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria will be included. SPSS program will be used in statistical analysis. Descriptive statistics will be used for the demographic characteristics of the groups. Qualitative variables will be defined by number and quantitative variables will be defined by mean and standard deviation.

Inclusion criteria

• Female patients between 18-65 years of age
• Patients whose medical treatment has been stable for the last 3 months

Exclusion criteria

• Patients who have undergone surgery on the hand and wrist
• Patients with prosthesis
• Patients with neurological or orthopedic diseases
• Patients with another accompanying rheumatic disease
• Patients with malignancy
• Pregnant patients