Hand function in immune-mediated inflammatory rheumatic diseases: assessment and rehabilitation approaches
Khojakulova U. Zimba O. Korkosz M. Kocyigit B.F.
December 2025Springer Science and Business Media Deutschland GmbH
Rheumatology International
2025#45Issue 12
Inflammatory rheumatic diseases (IRDs) are chronic autoimmune conditions that affect a variety of organs and systems. These disorders have a major impact on hand function, restricting independence in daily activities and lowering quality of life. They are characterized by significant reductions in the hand’s fine motor skills, grip strength, and coordination capacities. These impairments in hand function have a detrimental influence on physical capability, psychological adjustment, and occupational productivity. Since IRDs are chronic and progressive, early detection, continuous follow-up, and multifaceted rehabilitation strategies are essential. Self-report measures and performance-based assessments are utilized to evaluate hand function. Furthermore, imaging techniques, including ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, and dual-energy computed tomography, provide an objective evaluation of subclinical inflammation and structural damage. Rehabilitation approaches, as a complement to medical care, play an important role in maintaining and enhancing hand function. Multicomponent therapies, including exercise, splinting, occupational therapy, manual therapy, massage, and patient education, are beneficial for preserving functional gains. Future research is anticipated to concentrate on discovering biomarkers for early diagnosis, creating sensor-based digital evaluation tools and telerehabilitation programs, and developing individualized, AI-powered rehabilitation procedures. These developments will make a substantial contribution to preserving hand function and enhancing the quality of life for IRD patients.
Arthritis , Hand , Hand grip strength , Hand strength , Pinch strength , Rehabilitation , Rheumatic diseases
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Department of Emergency Medicine and Nursing, South Kazakhstan Medical Academy, Shymkent, Kazakhstan
Department of Clinical Rheumatology and Immunology, University Hospital in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
National Institute of Geriatrics, Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Warsaw, Poland
Department of Internal Medicine N2, Danylo Halytsky Lviv National Medical University, Lviv, Ukraine
Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Health Sciences, Adana Health Practice and Research Center, Kışla District, Dr. Mithat Özsan Boulevard, 4522. Street No:28, Türkiye, Adana, Turkey
Department of Emergency Medicine and Nursing
Department of Clinical Rheumatology and Immunology
National Institute of Geriatrics
Department of Internal Medicine N2
Department of Rheumatology and Immunology
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
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