Grip strength reflects disease activity in patients with RA
Study shows multiple joint tenderness contributes to poor hand function
12th September 2019
By Lydia Hales
Reduced grip strength has been linked to increased disease activity and disability in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis.
Swedish researchers analysed data on a cohort of 225 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) seen in the outpatient department of a hospital servicing the city of Malmo and followed for five years.
Grip strength values were expressed as a percentage of the expected force in the dominant hand, based on reference values from the literature and disability was measured using the Health Assessment Questionnaire