Upper Extremity Home Exercises in Patients With Scleroderma

Pamukkale University

Status: Completed

Conditions: System; Sclerosis; Scleroderma

Treatments: Other: Upper Extremity Home Exercises

Study type: Interventional

Funder types: Other

Identifiers

NCT05080738

2021-085

Details and patient eligibility

About

Hand involvement in scleroderma leads to functional disability due to the relationship between grip strength, wrist and finger movement. The vast majority of patients report that their activities are restricted and their quality of life decreases for this reason. Literature indicate that more work is needed to continue to develop and evaluate rehabilitation interventions in this population.

This study is a randomized controlled study examining the effects of 8 weeks of upper extremity home exercises on grip strength, normal joint movement, activity performance and functionality in patients with scleroderma. In our study, it is aimed to contribute to the standardization of upper extremity exercise protocols for scleroderma patients, to increase the quality of life of patients and to increase their independence in daily living activities.

Full description

The primary aim of the study is to examine the effects of upper extremity exercises on joint range of motion, grip strength, activity performance and functionality in patients with scleroderma, and thus contribute to the standardization of exercise protocols for the upper extremity in patients with scleroderma. The secondary aim of the study is to ensure the independence of scleroderma patients in their daily living activities and to increase their quality of life.

At least 46 scleroderma patients meeting the inclusion criteria will be included in the study. Demographic information form, Canadian Activity Performance Measurement (COPM), Arm, Shoulder and Hand Problems Questionnaire (DASH), Chronic Rheumatological Influence of the Hands Assessment and Measurement Score Questionnaire (SACRAH), Duruöz Hand Index (DHI) will be applied to the patients, upper extremity joint range of motion will be applied, gross and fine grip strength measurements will be made.

After the initial evaluation, patients will be randomized to intervention and control groups. Upper extremity home exercises including stretching and strengthening will be taught to the intervention group, and they will be asked to do it 5 days a week for 8 weeks. For eight weeks, the patients will be supported by the phone by the physiotherapist and it will be checked whether they do the exercises. The control group will be trained on the principles of joint protection. At the end of eight weeks, patients will have their final evaluation and analysis.

Enrollment: 46 patients

Sex: All

Ages: 18 to 65 years old

Volunteers: No Healthy Volunteers

Inclusion criteria

• Having a diagnosis of SSc according to 2013 ACR/EULAR criteria
• Having upper extremity/hand involvement
• Voluntary and consent to participate in the study

Exclusion criteria

• Having a known diagnosis of additional rheumatological disease
• Diagnosis of any known non-rheumatic disease
• Existence of deformity that prevents doing the exercises
• Presence of active digital ulcer Being involved in another rehabilitation program
• Having cognitive disorder
• Failure to give consent to participate in the study

Trial design

Primary purpose: Treatment

Allocation: Randomized

Interventional model: Parallel Assignment

Masking: Double Blind

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46 participants in 2 patient groups

Intervention group

Experimental group

Description:

The patients in the intervention group will be asked to practice upper extremity home exercises including stretching, mobility and strengthening, as home exercises, 5 days a week for 8 weeks, which will be taught by the physiotherapist.

Treatment:

Other: Upper Extremity Home Exercises

Control

No Intervention group

Description:

Education group:Patients will be informed about joint protection principles by a physiotherapist for once.