Home-based Hand Exercise Program on Dexterity among Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

Wini Widiani, Siti Annissa Nuhonni, I Nyoman Murdana, Sumariyono, Saptawati Bardosono

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Approximately 90% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have impairment in their hand joints, reducing mobility, strength and increase of pain. This, in turn, often leads to disability in daily life. Conservative hand exercises is one recommendation. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of hand exercises at home on bimanual dexterity among RA patients. This study was conducted as a pre- and post- test experimental design. Sixteen patients who met the criteria received a conservative home-based hand exercise program aimed at increasing range of motion and maintain grip strength. On weekly meeting, dexterity was measured with sequential occupational dexterity assessment (SODA). Analysis were done by intention to treat. Bimanual dexterity of RA patients in the Rheumatology Clinic measured by SODA before hand exercise therapy performed had a median of 95.5 (45-101), which means moderate to fairly good. SODA value after 6 weeks exercise have increased and is statistically significant, with changes in the value of SODA was 5.94 (p=0.006). This study demonstrated that a home-based program of conservative hand exercises is effective in increasing bimanual dexterity among RA patients. J Indon Med Assoc. 2011:61; 435-41.Keywords: Rheumatoid arthritis, hand exercise, bimanual dexterity
Original languageEnglish
JournalJournal of the Indonesian Medical Association
Volume61
Issue number11
Publication statusPublished - 2011

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Home-based Hand Exercise Program on Dexterity among Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this