Characteristics of the study group (n=67)
| Variables | Mean (SD) | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Age (years) | 61.7 (13.0) | 23–84 |
| Weight (kg) | 65.5 (11.9) | 45–95 |
| Height (cm) | 161 (7) | 145–178 |
| Body mass index (kg/m2) | 25 (4) | 19–37 |
| Disease duration (years) | 14.9 (12.0) | 1–51 |
| % IgM RF positive women | 84 | |
| Erythrocyte sedimentation rate | 26 (21) | 1–78 |
| Steinbrocker index (1–4) | 2.5 (0.7) | 1–4 |
| HAQ (0–3) | 1.4 (0.7) | 0–2.8 |
| VAS (0–100) | 43 (21) | 2–83 |
| Number of swollen joints | 7.6 (4.5) | 0–20 |
| Number of tender joints | 7.1 (5.6) | 0–26 |
| Cumulative steroid dose (g) | 5.4 (10.6) | 0–66.2 |
| SOS (m/s) | 1499 (37) | 1440–1598 |
| BUA (dB/MHz) | 101 (11) | 82–137 |
| Stiffness | 67 (17) | 38–116 |
| BMD (g/cm2) | ||
| Spine | 0.91 (0.18) | 0.57–1.41 |
| Distal forearm | 0.34 (0.09) | 0.18–0.58 |
| Femoral neck | 0.73 (0.16) | 0.39–1.11 |
| Quadriceps strength (Nm) | 79 (33) | 22–171 |