Gait disturbances in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

IntroductionRheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammation resulting in the involvement of all the structures constituting a joint. We determined the type and severity of foot deformities, determined the impact of the degree of disturbances of foot statics and the disease activity on the duration of the particular phases of gait, determined the impact of the maximum foot load and the percentage distribution of loads between the forefoot and hindfoot on the duration of the particular phases of gait, and established the link between observed disorders and the stage of rheumatoid arthritis.Material and methodsThe control group consisted of 41 healthy women. Rheumatoid arthritis patients, whose disease had been diagnosed based on the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria, were divided into three groups. Group I consisted of 56 women, Group II of 28 patients in the first and second stage of RA, Group III of 28 patients in the third and fourth stage of the disease. We calculated the disease activity score (DAS28 index) and body mass index, and we conducted a pedobarographic examination.ResultsThe results obtained in our study revealed the disturbances of the parameters of foot statics in RA patients. We also detected a prolongation of gait phases, resulting from the disturbances of statics and the displacement of the maximum foot load both in static and dynamic conditions. Increased activity of the disease constituted an additional factor affecting the prolongation of gait phases.ConclusionsOur results confirm the usefulness of baropodometric examination as an important diagnostic tool in the evaluation of the locomotor system of RA patients.

What Influences Proprioceptive Impairments in Patients with Rheumatic Diseases? Analysis of Different Factors

“…The increased risk of falls in patients with RA and OA is associated with the presence of pain, joint deformities, limited physical activity and muscle strength, and disturbances in gait and postural control. Proprioception disorders as a component of the postural control system lead to an increased risk of falls [ 41 , 42 , 43 , 44 , 45 ]. In our study, 42.0% of patients with RA and 41.4% of patients with OA had a fall history within the last year, and this rate is in agreement with other studies.…”

Static Foot Disturbances and the Quality of Life of Older Person with Rheumatoid Arthritis

“…Foot deformity leads to a partial or, sometimes, total loss of mobility in foot joints and pain, commonly located in the forefoot. Unfortunately, studies have revealed that in many cases this problem is underestimated by family doctors [ 30 , 31 ].…”

Combined Effects of Diet and Physical Activity on Inflammatory Joint Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

“…Increasing physical activity in RA patients may also be beneficial in fall risk, given that RA gait disturbances may occur [40]. Indeed, balance disturbances in RA patients are positively associated with a risk of falls of 33% [41,42].…”

“…Indeed, balance disturbances in RA patients are positively associated with a risk of falls of 33% [41,42]. Furthermore, lack of physical activity in RA patients lowers their functional ability by approximately 60% in females and 40% in males [40]. Similarly, RA patients may experience sarcopenia (approximately 3-24%), which is associated with falls and poor functional ability [43].…”