Initial stages of hand osteoarthritis do not affect the extrinsic muscles of the hand: a cross-sectional study.

The objective of this study was to verify whether women in the initial stages of hand osteoarthritis (HOA) already have impaired grip strength and flexor and extensor torque of the wrist compared to healthy women. It also aimed to correlate these variables with pain, stiffness, and function of the hand. Twenty-six women were divided into a control group [CG, n = 13; 56 (51-61) years old] and a hand osteoarthritis group [HOAG, n = 13; 58 (53-63) years old].

Impairment of electrical activation of wrist flexor and extensor muscles during gripping and functional activities in the early stage of hand osteoarthritis: A cross-sectional study.

Study Design: This is a cross-sectional study.

Introduction: The wrist extensor muscles have a fundamental role in the stabilization of the wrist while performing manual activities. However, it is unknown if the clinical signs of hand osteoarthritis (HOA) cause impairment in the activation of these muscles PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether early-stage HOA affects the magnitude of activation and coactivation between the wrist extensor and flexor muscles METHODS: Thirty-two subjects were divided into two groups: control group (n = 16; 55 ± 7.