Investigating Wrist Joint Position Sense and Hand Functions in Children With Polyarticular Juvenile Idiopathic...

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Rheumatology
• Neuroscience
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) is a common childhood rheumatic disease.
• Wrist involvement in JIA can significantly impact daily activities and quality of life.
• Understanding the relationship between proprioception and hand function in JIA is crucial for targeted interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare wrist joint position sense and hand function in children with JIA (with and without wrist involvement) and healthy controls.
• To investigate the correlation between wrist joint position sense and hand function in children with JIA.
• To explore potential therapeutic targets for improving function in JIA.

Main Methods:

• A comparative study involving three groups: polyarticular JIA with wrist involvement (JIAWrist+), JIA without wrist involvement (JIAWrist-), and healthy controls.
• Wrist joint position sense was assessed using joint repositioning error measurement.
• Hand functions were evaluated via Purdue Pegboard test, grip strength, pinch strength, and Duruoz Hand Index.

Main Results:

• Children in the JIAWrist+ group demonstrated significantly diminished wrist joint position sense compared to healthy controls (P < .05).
• Hand functions, including grip and pinch strength, were also significantly reduced in the JIAWrist+ group compared to controls (P < .05).
• Moderate correlations were observed between impaired wrist joint position sense and reduced hand function in children with JIA (P < .05).

Conclusions:

• Wrist joint position sense and hand function are compromised in children with JIA affecting the wrists.
• A relationship exists between proprioceptive deficits and functional limitations in the hands of children with JIA.
• Proprioceptive training may offer a viable strategy for enhancing hand function in pediatric JIA patients.