Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of Maitland’s joint mobilization and therapeutic exercises on the functionality of the hands in patients with systemic sclerosis. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Setting: Tertiary university hospital. Subjects: Twenty-four patients diagnosed with systemic sclerosis according to ACR/EULAR 2013 criteria; age ⩾18 years and Cochin Hand Functional Scale (COCHIN) score ⩾10. They were randomized to physical therapy group ( n = 12) or control group ( n = 12). Interventions: The physical therapy group received joint mobilization and undertook therapeutic exercises, twice a week, for 12 weeks, and received a booklet with information about the disease. The control group only received the booklet about the disease. Main measures: The primary outcome measure was functionality of the hands (COCHIN). The secondary outcomes measures were disability (SHAQ), pain (visual analogic scale), range of motion (HAMIS and Delta finger-to-palm), grip strength (JAMAR dynamometer), and quality of life (SF12). Results: Twenty-two patients were female, with a mean age of 47.4 ± 11.1 years and 18 had limited cutaneous form. The physical therapy group showed a decrease of 11.33 points in the COCHIN in comparison with the control group ( P = 0.09). There was a significant increase in range of motion by HAMIS (3.00 ± 1.48 vs 5.42 ± 2.64, P = 0.008), reduction in pain VAS (3.42 ± 2.78 vs 7.75 ± 2.53, P < 0.001), and increase in the physical component of SF12 (38.51 ± 9.60 vs 32.65 ± 9.10, P = 0.038). Conclusion: Maitland’s joint mobilization and therapeutic exercises improved the functionality of the hands, reduced pain in the hands and wrists, increased range of motion, and improved quality of life in patients with systemic sclerosis.
Lymphatic filariasis affects millions of people around the world and may have disabling consequences. Lymphedema stands out as a chronic manifestation in patients with this disease, affecting the lower limbs and limiting motor function. This study aimed to propose a treatment protocol to decrease lower limb lymphedema of treated patients and to show the efficacy of Complex Decongestive Therapy (CDT) as an auxiliary resource for this condition. This is a case study of a patient treated with CDT, making use of compression methods with alternative materials and instructions for asepsis during 10 weeks. The results demonstrated that this treatment reduced lymphedema in the right lower limb of the patient from grade V to grade III, with areas of measurement reduction of up to 41%. In addition, acute dermatolymphangioadenitis (ADLA) manifestations stopped in the treated patient. CDT associated with low-cost compression material, has been shown to be effective in reducing lower limb lymphedema and ADLA crises, as well as in promoting improved locomotion and performance of daily activities by the patient.
Introduction: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by progressive fibrosis of the skin and internal organs that promotes high morbidity and mortality. Objective: To evaluate the functionality, disability and quality of life of patients with systemic sclerosis and to compare the clinical forms of the disease. Methods: Cross-sectional, descriptive and analytical study performed at the Rheumatology Clinic of the Hospital das Clínicas of the Federal University of Pernambuco (HC-UFPE) from August 2018 to April 2019. The non-probabilistic, convenience sample consisted of 60 patients diagnosed with systemic sclerosis (SSc), followed at the Rheumatology outpatient clinic of the Hospital das Clínicas, Federal University of Pernambuco. To evaluate the outcomes, the following instruments were used: Cochin Hand Functional Scale (CHFS) for hand function; 12-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-12) for quality of life; and Scleroderma Health Assessment Questionnaire (SHAQ) for functionality and disability. Results: The mean results for CHFS, SHAQ, SF-12 Physical Component Summary and SF-12 Mental Component Summary were 14.5 (6.0-29.75), 1.01±0.56, 35.04±8.09, 40.94±10.56, respectively. There were no significant differences in CHFS outcomes between patients with diffuse and limited forms of SSc, SHAQ and the mental component of SF-12. However, in the physical component of SF-12, a better score was found in patients with the diffuse form of the disease (p=0.04). Conclusion: Patients with SSc present an important impairment of hand function, quality of life and functional capacity, and those with limited cutaneous form present worse scores of the physical component in the evaluation of quality of life.
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