Effectiveness of a Home-based, Self-administered Exercise Program for Hands in Patients With Systemic Sclerosis: a Randomized Controlled, Single-blind, Clinical Trial

The current study was designed as a single-blind, prospective, randomized controlled, comparative study with a 2-month follow-up period, conducted in a rheumatology outpatient clinic of a university hospital, between July 2016-June 2019. Female patients with SSc who fulfilled the 2013 ACR/EULAR classification criteria for systemic sclerosis were included in the study. Patients with neurological disorders, arthritis, myositis, amputation of fingers, serious contracture resisting handgrip, and history of undergoing hand surgery were excluded from the study. Patients were enrolled in the study after they signed the written informed consent. Following the assessment of patients in terms of eligibility, patients were randomized into an exercise and a control group. The computerized block randomization method was used to randomize subjects into groups. Both groups were informed about systemic sclerosis and they received the printed materials that include recommendations such as avoiding cold and trauma. The treatment group participated in a single hand exercise training (isometric hand exercise and self-administered stretching) applied by a physiatrist. They additionally received the printable instructions for exercises. Compliance was assessed by a checklist, which included all information on how to exercise and how many times to do them. The investigators aimed to investigate the impact of hand exercise program on hand function and demonstrate its influence on health status, quality of life, and psychological status of patients with SSc.