Association between computer use speed and age, impairments in function, and touch typing training in people with rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Objective. To explore the associations between impairments in hand function associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and limitations in computer peripheral use. Methods. A total of 45 computer users with RA were recruited from the Arthritis Network Research Registry. Impairments in hand function were measured using the Keitel Hand Function Index, and the Arthritis Hand Function Test, while general activity limitations were measured with the Health Assessment Questionnaire. Speed of computer peripheral device use was obtained at a laboratory work station using the Assessment of Computer Task Performance (ACTP). Results. Multiple regression models suggested that keyboarding speed was significantly associated with touch typing training and age, while mouse speed was significantly associated with age. Impairments in hand function were significantly associated with only 2 of 7 keyboarding tasks and no mouse tasks. General activity limitations were associated with 2 of 7 keyboarding tasks and 2 of 5 significant mouse tasks. A comparison of this study's sample with a normative sample reported for the ACTP suggested that this sample's keyboarding speed was similar to a nonimpaired sample, while mouse speed was much slower. Conclusion. Reduced keyboarding speed is most strongly associated with touch typing skill. General activity limitations appear to be the strongest arthritis-related predictor of decreased computer use speeds. Many computer users with RA will not experience reduced productivity in typing speeds, although many may be slower than their nonimpaired counterparts for mouse use.

Motor Ability and Emotions in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

“…This is consistent with research data obtained in patients with chronic pain [3,6]. It is believed that chronic pain, and fear of pain, as well as destructive and inflammatory changes in joints of RA patients together contribute to the reason for poor achievement on tests of reaction time [11,18].…”

“…People with rheumatoid arthritis were significantly slower to react in a block of tasks one of two stimulus-response compared to healthy people. It is known that the motor reaction is slower if the demands that are placed before the respondents are complex [17][18][19].…”

Objective Functional Outcomes and Patient Satisfaction After Silicone Metacarpophalangeal Arthroplasty for Rheumatoid Arthritis

“…For example, patients with RA are able to retain typing speeds similar to normal subjects despite progressive disability. [37][38][39] Therefore, tailoring postoperative hand therapy to patients' preoperative expectations can improve patient compliance and set more realistic goals for functional recovery.…”

The Effect of Kinesiotaping on Hand Function in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

“…Dėl to atlikdami šį tyrimą pasirinkome modifikuotą Keitel'io indeksą bei Artrito poveikio vertinimo skalę. Modifikuotas Keitel'io indeksas -objektyvus ir tikslus rankos funkcinės būklės vertinimo metodas, dažnai taikomas ligoniams, sergantiems RA (Baker, Rogers, 2010). Artrito poveikio vertinimo skalė taikoma rečiau, tačiau taip pat rekomenduojama naudoti moksliniuose tyrimuose (Oude Voshaar et al, 2011).…”