Article

This meta-analysis examined the effects of foot orthoses (FO) on pain
and disability in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. METHODS: MEDLINE, Cochrane
Controlled Trials Register, EMBASE, SPORT Scielo, and CINAHL were searched
through July 2014 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effects
of orthoses on pain and disability in RA patients. Two reviewers selected studies
independently. Weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals
(CIs) were calculated, and heterogeneity was assessed using the I(2) test.
RESULTS: Three studies, involving 110 patients who received FO and 108 control
patients, met the study criteria. Relative to controls, FO had a positive impact
on pain (WMD 0.40; 95% CI 0.04-0.57). Between group differences in disability
were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: FO may improve pain in RA
patients, but their impact on disability remains undetermined. Additional large
RCTs are needed to investigate the effects of these devices in RA patients.
Implications for Rehabilitation The use of foot orthoses (FO) often part of the
conservative treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, the
indication of these devices is usually empiric. Thus, the results of this
meta-analysis can provide guidance to rehabilitation professionals to undertake
these devices to therapeutic programs. There is no consensus among rehabilitation
professionals regarding the efficacy of FO improved pain and disability in
patients with RA. The results of this meta-analysis suggest that the use of the
FO improves pain but has no impact on disability. Thus, rehabilitation
professionals, from reading this article will make clear to their patients that
benefit of the FO is exclusively in pain improvement. Healthcare professionals
and organizations should take into account the costs of production of FO during
the definition of the therapeutic program. In case of low cost, the effect on
improvement of pain in the feet can justify the indication of these devices to a patient with RA.

Langue : ANGLAIS