The effect of an inpatient arthritis rehabilitation program on self-assessed functional ability

Self-assessed functional ability of patients with arthritis was measured prior to their participation in a 6-day inpatient arthritis rehabilitation program. Self-assessed functional ability was rechecked at discharge and again at the follow-up, which took place 5 to 10 weeks after discharge. Patients at five different centers completed the modified Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) at admission (n = 97) and again at discharge (n = 95). Thirty-six of those patients completed the follow-up questionnaire. The disability index was significantly lower at discharge than at admission and significantly lower at follow-up than at discharge. Pain severity was significantly lower at discharge than at admission but was not significantly different at follow-up than at discharge. McNemar's test, a modification of the standard chi-square, was used to compare patients' reliance on the assistance of others to perform functional tasks at admission versus at discharge. Reliance on others for help was significantly lower on discharge than on admission for grooming, arising, eating, walking, hygiene, reaching, and gripping/opening. This study concludes that participation in the inpatient rehabilitation program significantly reduced disability, pain, and the need for assistance from others.