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Abstract
Background Hand osteoarthritis is highly prevalent, affecting 55–70% of the population over 55 years with an age-related progressive increase. The OA of interphalangeal and carpometacarpal joints may have varying degrees of deformity associated with pain, decreased of grip and pinch strength, decreased range of motion and functional impairment. Effects of exercise in HOA in pain, function and strength is stiill unclear and based on experts opinions.
Objectives To assess the effectiveness of progressive resistance strength training program on pain, function and strength in hand OA patients.
Methods Diagnostic of hand OA according to ACR of at least 1year,over 50 years, both genders, pain in IF joints between 3–8 cm on NPS. Sixty patients who met the eligibility criteria were randomised into exercise group (EG) and control group (CG). Both groups performed a session regarding joint protection and energy conservation before randomisation. The EG performed a progressive resistance strength training program for intrinsic muscles of the hand for 12 weeks. The outcome measures were NPS, AUSCAN and COCHIN for hand function; grip and pinch strength using hydraulic hand dynamometers and patient satisfaction using a Likert scale. A blinded evaluator performed the evaluations at baseline, 6 and 12 weeks after treatment baseline.
Results The groups were homogeneous at baseline except for the key pinch strength for nondominant hand and palmar pinch strength for both hands. The comparison between groups using repeated measures ANOVA shows an statistically difference between groups in AUSCAN (total score, p=0.005$;$ pain, p=0.006 and function, p=0.047), COCHIN (p=0.042) and Likert scale (p=0.001) with better results for the EG. Results were presented in table 1.
Conclusions This progressive resistance strength training program was effective for pain, function, and treatment satisfaction for patients with hand OA.
Disclosure of Interest None declared