Validity And Reliability Of The Four Square Step Test In Individuals With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Recruiting now

Conditions studied: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

In brief

This cross-sectional observational study aims to evaluate the validity and reliability of the Four Square Step Test (FSST) in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, the study will investigate the associations between FSST performance and clinical parameters including disease activity, quality of life, pain, and muscle strength. All assessments will be conducted according to a pre-defined standardized protocol. The order of measurement tools will be randomized to minimize potential bias, and sufficient rest intervals will be provided between tests to prevent fatigue and performance effects. Participants will include individuals aged 18-65 years with a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis according to the ACR/EULAR 2010 classification criteria, who have been followed for at least 6 months, have had no major changes in treatment regimen in the last 4 weeks (e.g., initiation or change of DMARDs/biologics, high-dose steroid increase), can walk at least 10 meters independently, have a Mini-Mental State Examination score of 24 or higher, and are able to follow verbal instructions in Turkish to comply with study procedures. Appropriate statistical methods will be applied to assess validity, reliability, and associations between FSST and clinical parameters.

Key facts

Study ID

NCT07264101

Run by

Inonu University

People needed

50

Starts

2025-12-15

Expected to finish

2026-05-15

Last updated by the study team

2025-12-18

Who can join

Age: 18 and older, up to 65. Sex: any. Healthy volunteers: not accepted.

You may qualify if…

• Age between 18 and 65 years
• Diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis according to ACR/EULAR 2010 criteria
• No major changes in treatment regimen (e.g., initiation or modification of DMARDs/biologics, high-dose steroid increase) within the last 4 weeks
• Ability to walk at least 10 meters without assistance
• Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score ≥ 24
• Ability to understand and follow instructions in Turkish

You may not qualify if…

• Participants who cannot understand or follow verbal instructions in Turkish
• Participants with a history of neurological, vestibular, or serious orthopedic disease
• Participants whose physical participation is limited due to acute infection or systemic disease
• Participants who have had lower extremity surgery or a history of serious injury within the last 6 months

Where it is running

• Inonu University Turgut Ozal Medical Center — Malatya, Turkey (Türkiye) (enrolling)

Full record on ClinicalTrials.gov

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