Body function in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis. A 2-year prospective study

Abstract

The aim of this prospective study was to analyse joint and muscle function and aerobic capacity over 2 years in a group of patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA; i.e. symptomatic for <12 months) in relation to age, pain and disease activity. Sixty-six patients with early RA were followed for 24 months. Joint and muscle function was measured using Signals of Functional Impairment (SOFI) index and aerobic capacity with sub-maximal test on ergometer bicycle. Pain was estimated on Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and disease activity using 28-joint count Disease Activity Score (DAS 28). Joint and muscle function was impaired in almost all patients at inclusion and after 24 months. Male patients were more affected compared with females and the significant correlation with pain and DAS 28 decreased over time. Aerobic capacity was maintained and not influenced by sex, age or pain but related significantly to disease activity. The majority of the patients with early RA had impairments of the joint and muscle function over 24 months, even though disease activity decreased significantly. There is a need for regular evaluations of physical functions besides disease activity to prevent continuous development of functional losses.

• Aerobic capacity
• disease activity
• impairment
• joint and muscle function
• pain
• physical therapy