Randomized Controlled Trial . 2009 Jan-Mar;22(1):10-7; discussion 19-20; quiz 18. doi: 10.1016/j.jht.2008.09.002. Epub 2008 Nov 14.

// crossover trial

Exercise and hand osteoarthritis symptomatology: a controlled crossover trial

Affiliations

The Arthritis Research Institute of America, Clearwater, Florida 33755, USA.

mrogers@preventarthritis.org

PMID: 19013758

DOI: 10.1016/j.jht.2008.09.002

Abstract

  • Study design: Randomized Clinical Trial.
  • Introduction: Hand exercises have been recommended as treatment for hand osteoarthritis (OA) but research evidence is sparse.
  • Purpose of the study: To investigate effects of daily 16-week home-based hand exercise among persons with hand OA.
  • Methods: Forty-six older adults completed a crossover trial with washout between exercise and sham treatments. The AUSCAN physical function sub-scale served as the primary outcome measure. Other outcomes included pain and stiffness sub-scales, dexterity, and grip & pinch strengths.
  • Results: Changes in AUSCAN sub-scales did not differ between exercise and sham treatments. No changes in dexterity were seen. Grip and pinch measures modestly improved after exercise but not sham.
  • Conclusions: It is possible that our exercise protocol may have been too ambitious for this age group. Future research will further the understanding of the role of hand exercise in hand OA symptomatology.
  • Level of evidence: 2b.

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Comment in

Hand exercise leads to modest improvement in grip and pinch strength, but no difference in hand function, pain, stiffness or dexterity in older people with hand osteoarthritis.

Ballinger C, Adams J.
Aust Occup Ther J. 2010 Feb;57(1):68-9. doi: 10.1111/j.1440-1630.2009.00839_1.x.
PMID: 20854567 No abstract available.

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