Impact of Quadriceps Muscle on Health in Women with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Evaluation of Morphologic Parameters of Quadriceps Muscle Predicting Disease Activity, Physical Performance and Quality of Life in Women With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Observational Afyonkarahisar Health Sciences University · NCT06197074

This study looks at how the size and shape of the thigh muscle affects health, movement, and quality of life in women with rheumatoid arthritis.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment102 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 60 Years
SexFemale
SponsorAfyonkarahisar Health Sciences University Academic / other
Locations1 site (Afyonkarahisar)
Trial IDNCT06197074 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study investigates how the morphological characteristics of the quadriceps femoris muscle relate to disease activity, physical performance, and quality of life in women diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Using ultrasound imaging, the study will assess muscle cross-sectional area, pennation angle, and muscle thickness to understand the effects of sarcopenia on physical function. Evaluations will be conducted by specialists in physical medicine and rehabilitation, with quality of life and performance assessments carried out by physiotherapists. The findings aim to provide insights into the relationship between muscle morphology and overall health outcomes in this patient population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are women aged 18-60 with a confirmed diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis for at least three years and evidence of sarcopenia.

Not a fit: Patients with fractures, burns, lesions in the measurement area, or other significant neuromuscular, cardiovascular, or metabolic diseases may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of how muscle characteristics affect the quality of life and physical performance in women with rheumatoid arthritis.

How similar studies have performed: While studies have explored muscle morphology in RA, this specific approach focusing on quadriceps characteristics and their predictive capacity is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 18-60 years old
* Female participants with a confirmed diagnosis of RA for at least 3 years according to the 2010 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria
* Presence of sarcopenia

Exclusion Criteria:

* Presence of fractures, burns or lesions in the area to be measured
* Presence of any neuromuscular, cardiovascular or metabolic disease,
* Individuals with knee endoprosthesis,
* Inability to walk

Where this trial is running

Afyonkarahisar

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Rheumatoid Arthritis
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.