The effects of hand exercise on function and physical impairments in patient with hand osteoarthritis

Abstract

Background: Hand osteoarthritis is one of the most prevalent joint diseases and one of factors that cause disability in older adults. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of hand exercise on function and physical impairments in patient with hand osteoarthritis. Methods: 15 patients with hand osteoarthritis were selected via simple sampling in this quasi-experimental study. Hand function, pain, range of motion, and grip strength were assessed using a questionnaire of disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand, visual analogue scale, goniometer, and dynamometer at baseline and after 8 weeks of intervention. Data were analyzed using paired t test. Findings: Pain was significantly decreased after intervention. In addition, the range of motion for the wrist and the thumb was improved. The strength and function of the hand increased after intervention. Conclusion: This study shows that therapeutic exercises have a positive effect on pain, range of motion, grip strength, and hand function in patients with hand osteoarthritis. This method can be used in rehabilitation of this condition. © 2018, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences(IUMS). All rights reserved.