Global range of motion in women with rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a progressive and disabling autoimmune disease that leads to deformities of the hands and other joints, impairing functionality. Objective: to evaluate the range of joint motion (RJM) by means of a fleximeter in women with RA in the Metropolitan Region of Florianopolis. Method: a descriptive cross-sectional study with 40 women diagnosed with RA. The assessment of disease activity level was performed by Disease Activity Score-28 (DAS-28), the functionality verified by the Health Assessment Questionare (HAQ) and the RJM, with Sanny® Fleximeter. Results: DAS-28 indicated a moderate (42.5%) and high (42.5%) disease activity level. Regarding the functionality, HAQ showed that 45% had moderate functional disability, 27.5% severe, 22.5% mild and 5% presented no impairment. At RJM, no amplitude was within the normal range. Conclusion: a decrease of the RJM was observed, compromising the functionality.