Survey of the use and effect of assistive devices in patients with early RA

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Arthritis Rheum. 2004 Jun 15;51(3):413-21.

Survey of the use and effect of assistive devices in patients with early

rheumatoid arthritis: A two-year followup of women and men.

Thyberg I, Hass UA, Nordenskiold U, Skogh T.

Linkoping University and Orebro University, Linkoping, Sweden.

OBJECTIVE: To identify activity limitation in early rheumatoid arthritis

(RA) to detect patients needing assistive devices. To evaluate the

effects of assistive devices. METHODS: A multicenter cohort of 284 early

RA patients was examined using the Evaluation of Daily Activity

Questionnaire 12 and 24 months after diagnosis. RESULTS: The extent of

activity limitation was stable over time for both women and men. Most

limitations concerned eating and drinking. Women reported more

difficulties than did men. The use of assistive devices was related to

subgroups with severe disease and more disability. Use of assistive

devices reduced difficulties significantly. For both women and men,

assistive devices were mostly used in activities related to eating and

drinking.

CONCLUSION: Already 1 year after diagnosis, RA patients reported

activity limitation that remained stable over time. Use of assistive

devices was related to more severe disease and more pronounced

disability. Use of devices reduced difficulties significantly.

PMID: 15188327

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