Examining the work performance of individuals with rheumatoid arthritis

This study was planned to investigate whether upper extremity functional level and performance, respiratory muscle strength and respiratory-related quality of life have an impact on the work performance of individuals with Rheumatoid Arthritis and to examine the factors that may affect the work performance of individuals with RA. The study included 50 volunteers with RA with a mean age of 50.32±9.75 years. After the information of the individuals with RA was recorded, DAS28 was used for disease activity assessment, and for outcome measure assessments, Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), Arthritis-Overload Scale (AAIYÖ), ABILHAND Rheumatoid Arthritis Hand Function Questionnaire, Arm, Shoulder and Hand Problems Questionnaire (DASH), DASH Work Model (DASH-W), Respiratory System Questionnaire (SGRQ), Short Form-36 Quality of Life Scale (SF-36), Cognitive Exercise Therapy ApproachBiopsychosocial Scale (BETY-BQ) were used. Performance status was assessed with Unsupported Upper Extremity Exercise Test (UULEX) and respiratory muscle strength. While 64% of those with RA have different solutions for their interconnected jobs; AAIYÖ and DAS28 (p:0.037; r:0.296); GAS (p:0.000; r:0.560); HAQ (p:0.000; r:0.516); ABILHAND-RA (p:0.000; r:-0.406); DASH (p:0.000; r:0.595); DASH-W (p:0.000; r:0.599); BETY-BQ (p:0.001; r:0.453); SGRQ-Activity (p:0.047; r:0.282); SF-36 international (p:0.000; r:-0.687); SF-36 Mental (p:0.002; r:-0.422); UULEX duration (p:0.004; r;-0.401) and Level (p:0.003; r:-0.412); The relationship between MIP (p:0.015; r:-0.342) and MEP (p:0.002; r:-0.426) was significant (p<0.05). There are maintained differences between the income level and AAIYÖ rates (p:0.013; X 2 :8.638). SGRQ Symptom (p:0.066; r:0.262), Effect (p:0.111; r:0.228), Total (p:0.103; r:0.233); No significant relationship between UULEX Weight (p:0.172; r:-0.196) was observed (p>0.05). As a result of our study, the burden of the disease on work in individuals with RA is affected by disease activity, pain level, functional level related to the disease, hand and upper extremity functions and the effect of the status of these functions on the ability to do work, biopsychosocial status, quality of life related to respiration and health, upper extremity performance and respiratory muscle strength. Therefore, we recommend physiotherapy methods to increase the work performance of individuals with RA. Keywords: Respiratory System; Rheumatoid Arthritis; Upper Extremity; Work Capacity Evolutions