THE EFFECTS OF KINESITHERAPY ON FUNCTIONAL PARAMETERS (MUSCLE STRENGTH AND RANGE OF MOTION) IN PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic and progressive autoimmune disease characterized by joint pain, inflammation, and limited mobility. This condition leads to a significant deterioration of functional capacity and a reduced quality of life for patients. Kinesitherapy represents a non-pharmacological alternative in the management of rheumatoid arthritis, playing a crucial role in maintaining muscle strength and joint mobility. These factors are known to improve the lives of these patients.
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a structured 12-week kinesitherapy program on improving functional parameters such as range of motion (ROM) and muscle strength in patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. The study included 30 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of RA. Patients were evaluated before and after the therapy, with functional parameters of muscle strength measured using the manual muscle strength scale (0-5), and ROM measured in degrees using a goniometer.
The statistical results showed a significant improvement in both parameters. The average muscle strength increased from 3.32 (±0.73) to 4.14 (±1.05), while the average ROM increased from 39.06° (±13.91°) to 46.88° (±18.06°). These findings highlight that a structured kinesitherapy program contributes to increased strength and joint flexibility. The improvement in functional capacities significantly impacts the increase in independence and a reduction in disability among patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The study suggests the integration of kinesitherapy into multidisciplinary treatment programs for RA. For confirmation of these results and for determining long-term effects, further research with control groups and a larger sample size is needed.