Jolanta Rojczyk-Chmarek, Janusz Błaszczyk, Krzysztof Gieremek, Wojciech Cieśla, Jacek Polechoński

J. Rojczyk-Chmarek, J. Błaszczyk, K. Gieremek, W. Cieśla, J. Polechoński – Biomechanical aspects of elbow joint action in rheumatoid arthritis. FP 2014; 14(1); 6-16

Abstract

Functional limitations associated with RA-induce changes within the elbow joint and result in biomechanical disturbances. Objective data on the mobility of the affected articulation would facilitate the assessment of disease severity, selection of optimal physiotherapy interventions. Materials and Methods. Our study participants performed cyclic forearm extension and flexion elbow movements with different angular velocities. Biomechanical assessment comprised of spatiotemporal properties of cyclic movements. Spatial analysis of movement included the determination of movement direction (flexion, extension) and amplitude whereas the temporal analysis included the duration of particular movement phases as well as time-frequency analysis of a movement cycle. Results. The obtained results indicate that movement parameters in patients with rheumatoid arthritis differ significantly compared to normal ranges. Movement speed and amplitude as well as frequency and duration of movement are decreased. RA patients also exhibited considerable asymmetry of cyclic flexions and extensions of the elbow joint. Conclusion. It can be concluded that a biomechanical analysis using a manipulandum apparatus is a valuable diagnostic tool allowing objective evaluation of elbow function in rheumatoid arthritis. The measurements are highly sensitive, and hence, if performed in a larger patient population, they might help develop a classification of movement dysfunction in rheumatoid arthritis of the elbow joint. The analysis might also facilitate the assessment of hand dysfunction at various stages of RA development.

Key words:
rehabilitation, elbow, biomechanical, rheumatoid arthritis

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