%0 Journal Article
%T A Home Based Guide for Hands in Rheumatoid Arthritis ¨C An Observational Study
%A Cec¨ªlia C L M
%A Cynara F B
%A Davitt M
%A Eduardo de Paiva M
%A Luciana B
%A Manoel B B
%A Zoraida S
%J International Journal of Rheumatology | Rheumatology Journals Indexed in PubMed
%D 2018
%R http://dx.doi.org/10.15226/2475-4676/3/1/00134
%X Objective: The objective of this study was to evaluate a home based program with instructions on joint protection and hand exercises on a group of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods: A concise handbook with some practical instructions on joint protection and hand exercises was applied on patients with RA. Hand pain (numeric pain scale - NPS), hand function (Cochin Hand Functional Scale - CHFS), grip strength and pinch strength (dynamometer) were evaluated at the beginning of the study and after eight weeks. The subjects¡¯ comprehension, adherence and satisfaction with the intervention were evaluated at the end of protocol. Results: Fifteen subjects were enrolled in this home-based program. After intervention there was a significant pain (NPS) reduction and hand function (CHFS) improvement (p< 0.05).The program was considered comprehensive and easy to follow and patients referred the intention to continue following its instructions. Conclusion: A concise home-based guide with joint protection instructions and hand exercises may help reduce pain and improve hand function. It can be a feasible and low cost adjuvant treatment in RA. Keywords: rheumatoid arthritis, patient education, manual, exercises for hands, joint protection, occupational therapy
%U https://symbiosisonlinepublishing.com/rheumatology-arthritic-diseases/rheumatology-arthritic-diseases34.php