A Home Based Guide for Hands in Rheumatoid Arthritis – An Observational Study

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