Article

OBJECTIVE: To investigate factors that could lead to falls in patients with
rheumatoid arthritis (RA). DESIGN: Case-control study. SETTING: Hospital.
PARTICIPANTS: Patients with RA (n=15) and age- and sex-matched controls (n=15;
mean +/- SD age, 60.5 +/- 7.1y). INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME
MEASURES: Performance of participants on a step task. Furthermore, manual
performance was assessed, as well as questionnaires for balance confidence, fear
of falling, and activity level. RESULTS: Patients with RA showed nonsignificantly
increased RTs (time to anticipatory postural adjustment and foot lift) and
significantly increased movement times (MTs). Push-off force and step velocity
were significantly lower in patients with RA. During a manual task, delayed RTs
and MTs were seen. Moreover, lower levels of balance confidence and more fear of
falling were reported in patients with RA. There were no differences in activity
levels. CONCLUSIONS: When performing a quick step, patients with RA show delayed
MT and step velocity and decreased push off. Because quick stepping often is used
to avoid falls, the increase in step execution time might have undesirable
consequences. Furthermore, patients with RA have lower balance confidence and
more fear of falling than healthy controls; these factors also contribute to
higher fall risk.
CI - Copyright (c) 2011 American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine. Published by
Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS