Mapping hand functioning in hand osteoarthritis: comparing self-report instruments with a comprehensive hand function test.
OBJECTIVE
To determine which self-report instruments best explain hand functioning measured by a generic comprehensive hand function test.


METHODS
Six questionnaires currently used in hand osteoarthritis (OA), namely, the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales 2 Short Form (AIMS2-SF), the Australian/Canadian Osteoarthritis Hand Index (AUSCAN), the Cochin scale, the Functional Index of Hand OA (FIHOA), the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), and the Score for Assessment and Quantification of Chronic Rheumatoid Affections of the Hands (SACRAH), were administered once in 100 patients with hand OA together with the Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT). In addition, 3 other hand function tests with short administration time were used: the Moberg Picking-Up Test (MPUT), the Button Test (BT), and grip strength. The Short Form 36 was used to describe health status. The relationship between the instruments and the JTHFT was determined by correlation analyses.


RESULTS
AIMS2-SF total scores had the highest raw correlation coefficient to the JTHFT, followed by AIMS2-SF upper body limitation subscale, SACRAH stiffness subscale, and SACRAH total score. If controlled for age, the HAQ had the highest correlation coefficient. Of the 3 short hand function tests, the MPUT showed the highest raw correlation coefficient to the JTHFT; if controlled for age, the BT had the highest correlation coefficient.


CONCLUSIONS
To comprehensively assess hand functioning in patients with hand OA, we recommend using both a self-report instrument used more generally in various arthritides and a self-report instrument specifically developed for hand OA. If a short test is preferred, we recommend using the MPUT or BT.
Stamm
Tanja
T
Vienna Medical University, Vienna, Austria. Stamm@meduniwien.ac.at
Mathis
Mona
M
Aletaha
Daniel
D
Kloppenburg
Margreet
M
Machold
Klaus
K
Smolen
Josef
J
D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006225:Hand / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006305:Health Status Indicators; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010003:Osteoarthritis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000503:physiopathology*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires