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Gait analysis of the lower limb in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review
Hetty Baan1, Rosemary Dubbeldam, Anand V Nene
1Ziekenhuis Groep Twente, Almelo/Hengelo, The Netherlands.h.baan@zgt.nl
Introduction:
In rheumatoid arthritis (RA), signs and symptoms of feet and ankle are common. To evaluate the dynamic function of feet and ankles, namely walking, a variety of gait studies have been published. In this systematic review, we provide a systematic overview of the available gait studies in RA, give a clinimetrical assignment, and review the general conclusions regarding gait in RA.
Methods:
A systematic literature search within the databases PubMed, CINAHL, sportdiscus, Embase, and Scopus was described and performed and delivered 78 original gait studies that were included for further data extraction.
Results:
The clinimetrical quality of the 78 included RA gait studies measured according a tailored QUADAS item list and proposed clinimetrical criteria by Terwee and coworkers are moderate. General conclusions regarding the walking abnormalities of RA patients point to a slower walk, longer double support time, and avoidance of extreme positions. Frequently found static features in RA are hallux valgus, pes planovalgus, and hind foot abnormalities.
Conclusions:
Gait studies in RA patients show moderate clinimetrical properties, but are a challenging way of expressing walking disability. Future gait research should focus on more uniformity in methodology. When this need is satisfied, more clinical applicable conclusions can be drawn.
