An Alternative Assessment in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: 6 Minute Step Test

Although joint involvement is predominant, RA is a systemic disease that can affect many organs. RA is a disease that includes changes such as inflammation, joint pain, fatigue, increased risk of coronary and heart disease. In patients with RA, exercises should be planned for decreased muscle strength, endurance, aerobic capacity and affected normal joint movements. Aerobic exercise capacity should be measured for individualized exercise planning in rehabilitation.The bicycle ergometer, which is one of the aerobic capacity tests, has been used in rehabilitation for a long time. Although it is frequently used in rehabilitation, it has some disadvantages. The bicycle ergometer may not always be consistent because it can vary depending on how fast the person is pedaling. It is also expensive equipment and may not be available in rehabilitation centers. In clinical settings, attention has been drawn to functional capacity tests, which can objectively assess exercise capacity, are easier to perform and do not require expensive equipment.Therefore, other tests such as the step test can be used to overcome these disadvantages of the bicycle ergometer and assess functional capacity. The 6-minute step test (6MST), which requires less time and space, can be used as an alternative to assess exercise capacity. Patients will be evaluated at Firat University Hospital. Patients diagnosed with RA, older than 18 years of age and with a body weight of 100 kg or less (maximum weight supported by the stepper) will be included in the study. Cosmed Fitmate Med, bicycle ergometer will be used. Before this test is performed, the patients' information will be entered into the device. Then a device that wraps around the patient's chest to measure HR values, a mask to measure VO2 values and a sphygmomanometer to measure blood pressure will be worn. The test will be done for as long as the patient can do it and will be finished at the patient's request. Post-test values will be recorded.

The patient will then be administered the 6MST test. This test will be performed according to the guidelines published by Borel et al. Before the test starts, the patient's heart rate, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, initial dyspnea and leg fatigue will be recorded. The stepper used can display the duration of the exercise, the number of steps per minute and the total number of steps. These values will be recorded after the test is finished. After the test, the patient's heart rate, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, dyspnea and leg fatigue will be recorded. The reliability of the 6 MST will then be decided by comparing these two test data.