Affiliation:
1. Department of Orthopedics and Rheumatology, University of Campinas-Unicamp, Campinas, SP, Brazil
2. Department of Pediatrics, Occupational Therapy Graduate Program, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
Abstract
Abstract
Objectives
In a longitudinal case–control observational study, we evaluated the benefits of a self-management programme for hands developed for patients with SSc.
Methods
Patients with SSc included in the intervention group (IG) received a concise self-management programme with emphasis on hand exercises and were evaluated during 24 weeks regarding hand pain, hand function, range of motion, grip and tip and key pinch strength. Results were compared with a control group (CG) with no intervention using an analysis of variance for repeated measures with variables transformed into ranks (P ≤ 0.05). Effect sizes were calculated using Cohen’s test.
Results
Of 90 patients who were evaluated, seven were excluded at enrolment and 26 were excluded during the follow-up. Data from 57 subjects (IG 40, CG 17) were used for analysis. Groups were similar at baseline, except for the Scleroderma HAQ and tip and key pinch strength. Outcome improvements were noted only in the IG (P ≤ 0.05, large effect size). In the CG, variables did not change or had even worsened (hand grip strength and finger motion).
Conclusions
This self-management programme based on hand exercises for SSc resulted in pain reduction and hand function, strength and range of motion improvement. It can be a simple and useful intervention, especially when a regular rehabilitation programme is not available.
Publisher
Oxford University Press (OUP)
Subject
Pharmacology (medical),Rheumatology
Cited by
4 articles.
订阅此论文施引文献
订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献