Using the Pendulum Test to Measure Knee Stiffness in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Valle Maria S, Casabona Antonino, Sgarlata Rosaria, Garozzo Rosaria, Vinci Maria, Cioni Matteo
Primary Institution: Department of Physiological Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
Hypothesis
Can the pendulum test effectively evaluate knee stiffness and viscosity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis compared to healthy controls?
Conclusion
The Wartenberg test is a practical tool for measuring mechanical changes in the knee due to rheumatoid arthritis.
Supporting Evidence
- Knee stiffness significantly increased in patients with rheumatoid arthritis compared to healthy controls.
- Amplitudes of knee flexion and extension were significantly decreased in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
- Regression analysis showed a moderate correlation between disease severity and knee stiffness.
Takeaway
Doctors can use a simple swing test to see how stiff the knees of people with rheumatoid arthritis are compared to healthy people.
Methodology
Nine women with rheumatoid arthritis were compared to nine healthy women using the pendulum test to measure knee stiffness and viscosity.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the small sample size and the exclusion of participants who could not relax.
Limitations
The study only included women and had a small sample size.
Participant Demographics
Nine women with rheumatoid arthritis and nine healthy women, average age 52 years for RA patients and 49 years for controls.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p < 0.001
Statistical Significance
p < 0.001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website