The Impact of Exercise on Hand Function, Daily Activities Performance and Quality of Life of SLE' Patients

National and Kapodistrian University of Athens

Status: Completed

Conditions: Arthralgia; Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

Treatments: Behavioral: HAND EXERCISE

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT03802578

680/10-06-2016

Details and patient eligibility

About

A total of 240 consecutive SLE patients fulfilling the SLICC classification criteria was evaluated. Sixty two patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to the exercise group (n=32) or the control group (n=30).

Patients in the exercise group performed a program of strengthening, stretching and resistance upper limbs exercises, of 30 minutes duration daily, for 12 weeks. Performance of daily activities was evaluated with the DASH and HAQ questionnaires, grip and pinch strength with the Jamar dynamometer and pinch gauge tools respectively, dexterity with the Purdue pegboard test and the quality of life with the LUPUSQoL questionnaire at 0, 6, 12 (end of the exercise program) and 24 weeks for both groups. SLE activity and cumulative organ damage were evaluated with the SLE disease activity index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) and SLICC/ACR-DI, respectively.

Full description

A total of 240 consecutive SLE patients fulfilling the SLICC classification criteria was evaluated. Sixty two patients who met the inclusion criteria [age>18, upper limb arthralgias, and DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand) questionnaire score>10)] were randomly assigned to the exercise group (n=32) or the control group (n=30).

Patients in the exercise group performed a program of strengthening, stretching and resistance upper limbs exercises, of 30 minutes duration daily, for 12 weeks. Performance of daily activities was evaluated with the DASH and HAQ questionnaires, grip and pinch strength with the Jamar dynamometer and pinch gauge tools respectively, dexterity with the Purdue pegboard test and the quality of life with the LUPUSQoL questionnaire at 0, 6, 12 (end of the exercise program) and 24 weeks for both groups. SLE activity and cumulative organ damage were evaluated with the SLE disease activity index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) and SLICC/ACR-DI, respectively.

Enrollment: 62 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18+ years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• SLE patients fulfilling the SLICC classification criteria
• Upper limb arthralgias
• DASH score>10
• Stable drug regimen≥3 months

Exclusion criteria

• Hand fracture or surgery in last 6 months
• Physiotherapy program in last month

Trial design

Primary purpose: Supportive Care

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: None (Open label)

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62 participants in 2 patient groups

EXERCISE GROUP

Experimental group

Description:

Patients in the exercise group performed a program of strengthening, stretching and resistance upper limbs exercises (Hand exercise), of 30 minutes duration daily, for 12 weeks in addition to medical care.

Treatment:

Behavioral: HAND EXERCISE

CONTROL GROUP

No Intervention group

Description:

Patients in the control group continued their usual medical care.