Rheumatoid hand: home exercise and joint protection programme

Authors

  • Inês Campos Interna do 4º ano de Medicina Física e de Reabilitação do Centro de Medicina de Reabilitação da Região Centro – Rovisco Pais.
  • João Páscoa Pinheiro Fisiatra, Serviço de Medicina Física e de Reabilitação dos Hospitais da Universidade de Coimbra e Professor da Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Coimbra.
  • Jorge Laíns Fisiatra, Centro de Medicina de Reabilitação da Região Centro – Rovisco Pais.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25759/spmfr.28

Abstract

Objectives: This paper is intended to analyze several, considered relevant, studies in order to draw up a leafletthat includes joint protection measures and an exercise scheme, for the patient with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Material and Methods: The authors performed a literature review on joint protection programs and handexercises for patients with RA; the authors selected five studies that had a higher study design quality andadequate outcomes: pain, inflammation, muscle strength and function.

Results: The reviewed studies shown beneficial effects of several exercise and joint protection programs in termsof pain, stiffness, grip strength and upper limb function. The beneficial effects of these programs remain longterm.Just providing information is not enough - demonstration and repetition is required.

Conclusions: The programs that combine measures of joint health, range of motion exercises and musclestrengthening, with increasing repetitions are more effective and better tolerated. Based on the data drawn fromthe various studies, the authors developed a leaflet for patients with RA, as a part of a comprehensiverehabilitation program.

Keywords: Rheumatoid Arthritis; Hand; Exercise Therapy; Patient Education; Health Behavior.

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How to Cite

1.
Campos I, Pinheiro JP, Laíns J. Rheumatoid hand: home exercise and joint protection programme. SPMFR [Internet]. 2013 Feb. 25 [cited 2025 Jun. 30];20(2):32-5. Available from: https://www.spmfrjournal.org/index.php/spmfr/article/view/28

Issue

Vol. 20 No. 2 (2011): Ano 19

Section

Review Article

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