[Measuring work capacity in rheumatic diseases: functional disability, pain, pain-related cognitions and affects]

Rheumatic diseases, particularly those affecting the back, cervical spine, and the joints, are widespread in the general population. The general costs, especially those associated with social medical services, show constant increases. Time and effectiveness lost from work due to back problems in the FRG accounted for most of the days off the job because of disability, time spent in the hospital or at a health spa facility. Therefore, the appropriate evaluation of the degree of disability plays an increasingly important role in the area of social benefits. Yet unambiguous and objective physical measurements of the disease and the degree of associated disability are lacking in most cases of rheumatic diseases. More attempts to address the subjective aspects of the disease should be included in such evaluations. For recent years, models of measurement have been developed and tested, which are suited to the multidimensional nature of rheumatic illnesses. It is recommended that these be introduced in routine use for physical evaluations.