Upper limb functional capacity of working patients with osteoarthritis of the hands: A cross-sectional study

Study Design: A cross-sectional design was used. Introduction: 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