@article{article_503411, title={Investigation of grip strength and upper extremity functional disability in patients with rheumatoid arthritis}, journal={Journal of Exercise Therapy and Rehabilitation}, volume={3}, pages={60–65}, year={2016}, author={Kınıklı, Gizem İrem and Şahin, Ali and Güney, Hande and Yüksel, İnci and Kınıklı, Gülay}, keywords={Artrit,Romatoid,Özürlülük Değerlendirmesi,El Kuvveti,Yaşam Kalitesi}, abstract={ Purpose: The aim of this study were to compare handgrip strength between patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and healthy  individuals, and to determine the correlation between their handgrip strength and the upper extremity functional disability  and health related quality of life. Methods: Twenty-nine RA patients and 30 age-matched healthy subjects were recruited for the study. The degree of ulnar  deviation, flexion, and extension of the wrist were measured using a goniometer. Handgrip strength and endurance were measured using a digital grip analyzer. The Duruoz Hand Index (DHI) was used to assess the hand-related activity limitation.  Physical disability was measured using the Stanford Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ). Quality of life was assessed  using the Rheumatoid Arthritis Quality of Life scale (RAQoL). Results: There were significant differences between patients with RA and healthy controls in terms of strength and endurance  test in favor of healthy controls (p<0.001). Moderate negative correlations were found in dominant handgrip strength and  endurance tests with HAQ, DHI and RAQoL scores in patients with RA (p<0.05). Conclusion: The results of the present study supported that lower handgrip strength and endurance was related to upper  extremity functional disability in patients with RA. We suggest that specific needs such as handgrip strength and endurance to  maximize function in performing activities of daily living should be monitored in patients with RA. }, number={2}, publisher={Yavuz YAKUT}