Hand exercises for Women with Rheumatoid Arthritis and impaired ADL ability:

Background: In 90% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) the joints of the hand are affected causing decreased ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL). Occupational therapy focusing on changing the patient’s... [ view full abstract ]

Background:
In 90% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) the joints of the hand are affected causing decreased ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL). Occupational therapy focusing on changing the patient’s behavior during ADL task performance by introducing compensatory strategies such as joint protection, assistive devices and alternative methods of doing, have shown to be effective. Studies have indicated that an intensive hand exercise program might have effect on pain and grip strength in patients with RA, but information about whether such improvements translate into improved ADL ability is sparse. The aim of the study is to investigate whether hand exercise therapy as an add on to a compensatory intervention program focused on joint protection, assistive devices and alternative methods of doing would improve the performance of ADL tasks requiring hand function in patients with RA.
Methods:
An exploratory controlled parallel trail is conducted. A total of 90 patients all women (≥18), with RA will be included. Patients are randomized to hand exercise therapy and compensatory intervention program (CIP) or to CIP alone. Primary outcome is change in observed ADL ability using the Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS).
Results:
As the study enrols participants until January 2016, results are not available yet. Based on the data we will be able to determine if hand exercise will improve ADL ability among RA patients.
Application to Practice:
If hand exercise therapy added to CIP improves ADL ability this should be applied in practice.