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 Disability Index. 

“Throughout the observation period, reduced grip force was associated with more extensive disability and worse scores for patient global assessment of disease activity,” the authors said.