The effectiveness of home hand exercise programmes in rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) commonly reduces hand function. We systematically reviewed trials to investigate effects of home hand exercise programmes on hand symptoms and function in RA.

Sources of data: We searched: Medline (1946-), AMED, CINAHL, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, OT Seeker, the Cochrane Library, ISI Web of Science from inception to January 2016.

Areas of agreement: Nineteen trials were evaluated. Only three were randomized controlled trials with a low risk of bias (n = 665). Significant short-term improvements occurred in hand function, pain and grip strength, with long-term improvements in hand and upper limb function and pinch strength.

Areas of controversy: Heterogeneity of outcome measures meant meta-analysis was not possible.

Growing points: Evaluation of low and moderate risk of bias trials indicated high-intensity home hand exercise programmes led to better short-term outcomes than low-intensity programmes. Such programmes are cost-effective.

Areas timely for developing research: Further research is required to evaluate methods of helping people with RA maintain long-term home hand exercise.