A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL OF HOME EXERCISE ON THE RHEUMATOID HAND

Objective. To study differing home hand exercise interventions to dete rmine effects on grip strength, and secondarily any immediate or short term effects on range of motion, pain, deformities, hand disease acti vity, and dexterity. Methods. Randomized controlled trial of 12 weeks of home hand exercise performed for 10-20 min twice daily. Study exerc ise interventions were range of motion exercises, balanced resistive e xercises, and range of motion plus balanced resistive exercises. Resul ts. Aside from transient, mild to moderate discomfort, exercises were well tolerated. Range of motion exercises were associated with improve d right hand joint count. Range of motion plus balanced resistive exer cises were associated with increased left hand dexterity. Home hand ex ercise (exercise groups combined) significantly increased left grip st rength. Conclusions. Temporary use of home hand exercise has acceptabl e side effects and is an effective means of increasing grip strength.