Hand impairment and functional ability: A matched case comparison study between people with rheumatoid arthritis and healthy controls

Introduction The aim of this study was to compare hand impairment and function in a cohort of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and matched healthy participants. Methods A matched case comparison research design comparing hand impairment and functional ability between patients with rheumatoid arthritis and healthy participants (males or females, aged ≥ 50 years). Functional ability was assessed using the Michigan Hand Questionnaire, power and pinch grip strength and the nine-hole peg test. Results A total of 100 participants (50 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 50 matched healthy participants) were recruited. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis reported significantly lower overall hand function, activities of daily living, work, aesthetics, satisfaction ( p < 0.001) and significantly higher pain scores when compared with healthy controls. The patients with rheumatoid arthritis had significantly lower maximum power and pinch grip strength in both left and right hands ( p < 0.001) when compared with healthy controls. The rheumatoid arthritis group took significantly longer to complete the nine-hole peg test using both right and left hands compared with healthy controls ( p < 0.001, respectively). Additionally, in rheumatoid arthritis patients, a significant moderate, positive correlation between power grip strength and activities of daily living (r = 0.584, n = 50, p < 0.01) and a weak-to-moderate, significant negative correlation between power grip strength and pain (r = −0.314, n = 50, p < 0.05) were reported. Conclusion Despite the recent substantial improvement of drug therapy and disease control, the functional impact of rheumatoid arthritis on hand pain and function remains significant.