Measurement of global functional performance in patients with rheumatoid arthritis using rheumatology function tests

Table 4 Correlation between baseline measurements and the extent of physical disability at follow-up in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Baseline measurement	r value with physical disability at follow-up^a,b	P for comparison with global functional performance
Global functional performance	-0.72	Referent
Tender joint count	0.40	≤0.001
Swollen joint count	0.19	≤0.001
Deformed-joint count	0.36	≤0.001
Pain	0.45	≤0.001
Grip strength	-0.52	≤0.001
Walking velocity	-0.69	0.03
Timed button test	-0.59	≤0.001
Steinbrocker functional class	0.62	≤0.001
SF-36 physical function	0.67	0.02
MHAQ	0.65	≤0.001

^ar, correlation between baseline measurements and level of physical disability after a median follow-up of 1 year. ^bPhysical disability measured as the first principal component of SF-36 physical function, MHAQ, and Steinbrocker class [10]. MHAQ = Modified Health Assessment Questionnaire [17]; SF-36, short-form 36 questionnaire [16].

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