Step performance in persons with rheumatoid arthritis: a case-control study.

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.