The short-term effect of gloving in combination with Traditional Thai Massage, heat, and stretching exercise to improve hand mobility in scleroderma patients

Kunavut Vannajak, Yodchai Boonprakob, Wichai Eungpinichpong, Supunnee Ungpansattawong, Ratanavadee Nanagara, Kunavut Vannajak, Yodchai Boonprakob, Wichai Eungpinichpong, Supunnee Ungpansattawong, Ratanavadee Nanagara

Abstract

Background: Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a chronic, multisystem connective tissue disorder characterized by autoimmune activation, microvascular endothelium damage, and excessive collagen proliferation. The most affected hand presents claw hand deformity and microvascular disease. Deformed hands can cause functional disability and decrease the quality of life. A daily home program can improve mobility of scleroderma patients.

Objective: We sought to determine the effect of a daily home exercise program on hand mobility among scleroderma patients.

Materials and methods: This was a randomized control trial. Twenty-eight participants were divided into two groups, both of which received the same daily home treatment: Group 1 with gloves (n = 14) and Group 2 without gloves (n = 14). The 2-week daily home program combined traditional Thai massage (TTM) with stretching exercises and heat. Hand mobility was assessed using hand mobility in scleroderma (HAMIS). The study was conducted in patients who were already on vasodilator drugs.

Results: Both groups showed a significant improvement in hand mobility after 2 weeks of daily home exercise program (P < 0.05). Wearing the glove, however, resulted in better thumb mobility.

Conclusions: A daily home exercise program improved hand mobility among patients with scleroderma and wearing gloves may improve thumb mobility.

Keywords: Glove; stretching exercises; systemic sclerosis; traditional Thai massage; wearing gloves.

Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Stretching exercise in daily home program, (a) Forearm supination, (b) Forearm pronation, (c) Wrist flexion, (d) Wrist and finger extension, (e) Wrist radial deviation, (f) Wrist ulnar deviation, (g) Finger abduction, (h) Finger flexion, (i) Thumb abduction, (j) Thumb adduction, (k) Thumb flexion, and (l) Thumb extension
Figure 2
Figure 2
Change in left and right hand mobility after 2 weeks of daily home program
Figure 3
Figure 3
Flow chart of the study

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Source: PubMed

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