Exercise for rheumatoid arthritis of the hand

Abstract

It is uncertain whether exercise improves hand function or pain in the short term. It probably slightly improves function but has little or no difference on pain in the medium and long term. It is uncertain whether exercise improves grip and pinch strength in the short term, and probably has little or no difference in the medium and long term. The ACR50 response is unknown. People who received exercise with adherence strategies were probably more adherent in the medium term than who did not receive exercise, but with little or no difference in the long term. Hand exercise probably does not lead to adverse events. Future research should consider hand and wrist function as their primary outcome, describe exercise following the TIDieR guidelines, and evaluate behavioural strategies.

A mobile app using therapeutic exercise and education for self-management in patients with hand rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized controlled trial protocol

“…The clinical management of hand RA includes pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments that aim to prevent or control joint damage and RA-related disability, especially overall hand function and pain [15,16]. The target of currently available medication for RA, e.g., non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, glucocorticoids, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), is remission or low disease activity [17], and to reduce hand symptoms and deformities [18].…”

“…Among non-pharmacological interventions, hand exercise programs are safe and cost-effective to alleviate symptoms in patients with RA [12] and may even enhance the effects of medication [20]. Therapeutic exercise for RA has demonstrated to be positive for hand function, although uncertainty remains about its impact on pain and strength [16]. Yet, there is evidence of a low rate of adherence to prescribed exercises in people with upper limb conditions [21].…”

“…Yet, there is evidence of a low rate of adherence to prescribed exercises in people with upper limb conditions [21]. Further studies of high methodological quality with hand function as the main outcome and the use of strategies to increase adherence are warranted [16].…”

Are exercises beneficial for patients with rheumatoid arthritis of the hand?‐ A Cochrane review summary with commentary

“…The aim of this Cochrane review is to determine the benefits and harms of hand exercise in adult patients with RA (Williams et al 2018) 1 …”

“…The aim of this commentary is to discuss the recently published Cochrane review “Exercise for rheumatoid arthritis of the hand” 1 by Williams MA et al ( This summary is based on a Cochrane review previously published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2018, Issue 7. Art.…”