Physical Impairments in People With Gout: A Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Physical Therapy
• Sports Medicine

Background:

• Gout is the most prevalent inflammatory arthritis, primarily managed with medication.
• Physical impairments in individuals with gout are understudied.
• Understanding these impairments is crucial for developing effective physical interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and categorize physical impairments associated with gout.
• To inform the development of targeted physical interventions for gout patients.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was conducted across five major electronic databases.
• Included studies reported objective physical impairment outcomes in individuals with gout.
• Data synthesis involved descriptive summarization of extracted information.

Main Results:

• Twenty-four articles met the inclusion criteria, predominantly cross-sectional studies.
• Common physical impairments identified include lower extremity function, joint range of motion, strength deficits, deformity, and Achilles tendon stiffness.
• Studies were often set in secondary care, with a significant number originating from New Zealand.

Conclusions:

• Limited evidence suggests that lower extremity function and joint range of motion are the most frequently observed physical impairments in gout.
• There is a clear need for more research to thoroughly understand and quantify gout-related physical impairments.
• Quantification is essential before targeted physical interventions can be effectively developed and implemented.