Comparison of the mechanical properties of hand and wrist muscles at rest and during activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and their healthy peers

Authors : Hakan Polat, Serkan Usgu, Engin Ramazanoğlu, Zehra Doğmuş, Fatih Albayrak, Bünyamin Kısacık

Pages : 207-217

Doi:10.15437/jetr.1606656

View : 111 | Download : 250

Publication Date : 2025-12-30

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the mechanical properties of the hand and wrist muscles in patients diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) both at rest and during contraction. Methods: A total of 83 individuals, including 42 Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients and 41 healthy individuals, were included in the study. Hand and wrist functionality was assessed using the Duru Öz Hand Index, and the mechanical properties of the muscles were evaluated using the MyotonPro® device during both during contraction and rest. Results: The tone and stiffness values of the flexor muscle in the left and right wrists of healthy individuals (except for the right wrist at rest) during both rest and during contraction were higher compared to RA patients (p 0.05).In RA patients, the tone and stiffness values of the muscle in the right and left thenar region, measured at rest, were higher compared to healthy individuals (p 0.05). The Duru Öz Hand Index scores of RA patients were lower than those of healthy individuals (p<0.05). Conclusion: The mechanical properties (stiffness and tone) of the flexor and thenar muscles in RA primarily affect the wrist and hand regions. Rehabilitation programs for the hands and wrists in these patients should prioritize specific exercises targeting the flexor and thenar muscle groups (e.g., relaxation, stretching, functional exercises) and include approaches aimed at improving overall hand functionality.
Keywords : Elastisite, El ve el bileği, Romatoid artrit, Sertlik.

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