Article

A cross-sectional design was used. Little is known
about the effects of osteoarthritis of the hands (OAH) on work ability in working
patients with OAH.
PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The study aimed to analyze the
differences in upper limb functional capacity (ULFC) between working patients
with OAH and healthy workers and to evaluate variables associated with ULFC and
with self-reported disability (SRD) in working patients with OAH. METHODS:
Forty-one patients performed the ULFC Evaluation (ULFCE) and also completed 2 SRD
measures. The patients' results were compared with the ULFCE results of 82
matched healthy workers from a reference database. Three sets of multivariate
regression analyses were used to reveal the predictors of ULFC and SRD. RESULTS:
Patients scored 12%-45% lower on all ULFCE tests (P values ranging from P P
Discussion Working patients with OAH had a considerably lower ULFC compared with
healthy workers. Female gender and the presence of OAH predicted lower ULFC. Pain
and lower finger strength predicted worse scores on SRD. CONCLUSION(S): In the
case of professionals advising working patients with OAH, our results suggest
that a careful evaluation of the ULFC and SRD is warranted. Subsequently, advice
regarding exercises or adjustments at work can be given. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 3b.
CI - Copyright (c) 2017 Hanley & Belfus. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS