Grip endurance in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: Its relationship between clinical characteristics, upper extremity functional disability, and quality of life.

Aim: The study's aim was to investigate the relationship of grip strength and endurance with clinical characteristics, upper extremity functional disability, and quality of life in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.

Method: We included 45 RA patients and 37 healthy controls in this cross-sectional study. All participants were evaluated using the maximal gripping test, static and dynamic grip endurance test, the Disability of Arm, Shoulder Hand Questionnaire, and Short Form-36, and sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were recorded.

Results: Moderate to strong correlations were found between functional disability and all of the grip-related variables. Physical, emotional, and social function sub-scores were correlated with grip strength on both sides and dynamic endurance on the dominant side.

Conclusion: The study highlights grip-related variables associated with disability of the upper extremity. The grip strength was related to hand-wrist pain but not other clinical characteristics. Furthermore, grip strength on both sides and dynamic grip endurance on the dominant side were associated with some quality of life sub-scores. While therapists create a rehabilitation plan for RA patients, based on our findings, it may be beneficial to maximize therapeutic benefits on daily life and quality of life.