Unsupported Upper Limb Exercise Test in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Unsupported Upper Limb Exercise Test (UULEX):Individual sit on the chair in a way that touches the wall with the lines of the UULEX. The tables of the UULEX contain 8 horizontal levels. Each level is 84 cm wide and 8 cm high. The distance between the level centers is 15 cm. The line below corresponds to the knee level of the participant. The individual moves the plastic bar, which has a weight of 0.2 kg, from the hips by holding the arms at the shoulder width and moves it to the different levels of the lines of the UULEX in front of it. Each movement starts at the hip joint and ends at the hip joint. After making the first level for two minutes, the upper levels are made in two minute. The beginning and end point of each level is the hip joint. The bar is removed until 30 movements per minute accompanied by a metronome (level up). When individuals reach their maximum height, the bar weighing 0.2 kg is replaced with a 0.5 kg weighted bar. This weight will continue to raise to the maximum height. The weight is then increased by 0.5 kg per minute to 2 kg. Individual is referred to the test to continue until symptom limitation.

Statistical Analyses:The data will be given as mean ± standard deviation (X ± SD). The Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC) will be used to evaluate the reliability of the UULEX. For concurrent validity, the relationship of the 30 sec Push up-Pull Test, DASH, HAQ and the 6-peg board ring test will be evaluated with Pearson correlation analysis. In our study, 85% power was obtained in the design made with 5% type 1 error and at least 70 patients. p value will be taken as 0.05.

Inclusion criteria

• Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Exclusion criteria

• People who are over 65 years of age, who have carpal tunnel syndrome and adherent capsule, who have undergone surgery for upper extremity, who are pregnant or can not cooperated will not be included in the study.