Investigating upper limb function in rheumatoid arthritis patients

Investigation of Upper Extremity Exercise Capacity, Hand Grip Strength and Daily Living Activities in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

Observational Kirsehir Ahi Evran Universitesi · NCT06767618

This study is testing how rheumatoid arthritis affects the strength and daily activities of patients' arms and hands compared to healthy individuals.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexAll
SponsorKirsehir Ahi Evran Universitesi Academic / other
Locations1 site (Kırşehir, Merkez)
Trial IDNCT06767618 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to evaluate upper extremity exercise capacity, hand grip strength, and daily living activities in patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. It addresses the limited research on how rheumatoid arthritis affects upper limb functionality and overall physical performance. The study will include both rheumatoid arthritis patients and a healthy control group, focusing on their ability to perform daily tasks and their muscle strength. Participants will be assessed for their exercise capacity and any limitations they may face due to their condition.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 18-75 diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis who are willing to participate.

Not a fit: Patients with serious cardiopulmonary, neurological, or other systemic diseases that affect physical functions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved understanding and management of upper extremity functions in rheumatoid arthritis patients, enhancing their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically on upper extremity functions in rheumatoid arthritis, studies on related conditions have shown the importance of muscle strength in improving physical function.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

Inclusion criteria for patients with rheumatoid arthritis

* Patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis,
* Between the ages of 18-75 years,
* Patients who volunteer to participate in the study will be included in the study.

Inclusion criteria for the healthy control group

* Between the ages of 18-75 years,
* Volunteer to participate in the study will be included in the study.

Exclusion Criteria:

Exclusion criteria for patients with rheumatoid arthritis

* Those with serious cardiopulmonary, neurological, neuromuscular, orthopedic and other systemic diseases or other diseases affecting physical functions,
* Those who have participated in a planned exercise program in the last three months
* Those with cognitive impairment that will cause difficulty in understanding and following exercise test instructions
* Patients with contraindications for exercise testing or exercise training according to the American Sports Medicine Association will not be included in the study.

Exclusion criteria for the healthy control group

* Those with any diagnosed chronic or systemic disease,
* Those who smoke 10 packs x years or more,
* Those who have pneumonia or any acute infection,
* Healthy individuals with any psychiatric disorder will not be included in the study.

Where this trial is running

Kırşehir, Merkez

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 Arthritisexercise capacityupper extremityhand-grip strength
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 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.