How accurately does a simulation glove reflect function compared to rheumatoid arthritis sufferers?

INTRODUCTION: This study assessed the ability of gloves to simulate rheumatoid arthritis of the hand. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Assessments were made in the dominant hand of 24 healthy volunteers with no glove, glove A (simulating stiffness only) and glove B (simulating stiffness and pain). Results were compared to data held on 23 rheumatoid arthritis patients. Sollerman score was used as a standardised measure of hand function and time taken to complete testing was recorded. Grip strength was also measured in volunteers. RESULTS: Both gloves simulate a reduction in power and prolong time taken to complete Sollerman hand-function testing. The gloves are less able to simulate a matched reduction in function when compared to rheumatoid arthritis sufferers. Sollerman score is 9.7% less in rheumatoid arthritis hands than a healthy volunteer using the glove. CONCLUSIONS: The glove could, therefore, be used to guide future design of tools and aides that accommodate for hand disorders. More work on the usefulness of such disease simulation in the design of tools for such patients is needed.