Article

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between functional status and different
domains of postural control, and to make recommendations about the use of
postural control tests in clinical practice among women with rheumatoid
arthritis. SUBJECTS: A total of 91 women with rheumatoid arthritis and 110
controls. The patients were grouped according to the total score of the Health
Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ):HAQ1 = 0 (good, n = 21); HAQ2 = 0.1 to < 1
(impaired, n = 44);HAQ3 = 1-3 (severely impaired, n = 26). METHODS: Postural
control tests: timed one-leg stance test(OLST), timed up and go test (TUG), and
posturography tests on a force-plate. RESULTS: A poorer performance in the OLST
and TUG tests was associated with higher, i.e. worse, HAQ scores. The results of
the force-plate measurements were more complex.The results for healthy controls
provided some clarifying information,but did not alter the main results.
CONCLUSION: It is recommended that both OLST and TUG tests are included in the
postural control assessment design for patients with arthritis. It seems that the
force-plate measurements are not as good for screening postural control
impairments associated with functional disability, but they may still have their
use in, for example, monitoring the effect of intervention or rehabilitation.

Langue : ANGLAIS