Article

The aim of this study was to test the effect of an intensive hand exercise
programme in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Designed as a clinical
controlled trial, the first 30 participants received a conservative exercise
programme (CEP), while the next 30 received an intensive exercise programme
(IEP). Outcomes were assessed at baseline, and after 2 and 14 weeks. Hand
strength, measured as grip strength and pinch strength, was the primary outcome
variable. Secondary outcomes were joint mobility, hand pain, and functional
ability. After two weeks, there were significant differences between the groups
in favour of the IEP in pinch strength in the dominant hand (p = 0.01), as well
as grip and pinch strength in the non-dominant hand (p = 0.04 and 0.05,
respectively). After 14 weeks, there was a significant difference between the two
groups in grip strength in the non-dominant hand (p = 0.04), again in favour of
the IEP. There was a trend towards increased pain in the CEP group and towards
decreased pain in the IEP group, with significant differences between the groups
in several measures of pain after 2 and 14 weeks. However, there were few
significant differences between the two groups regarding joint mobility and
functional ability. The results indicate that, compared with a traditional
programme, an intensive hand exercise programme is well tolerated and more
effective in improving hand function in patients with RA.

Langue : ANGLAIS