The effect of warm salt water and warm water bath applied to hands and feet of patients with rheumatoid arthritis on pain, fatigue, sleep quality and functional capacity

The aim of this pretest-posttest randomized controlled study is to determine the effect of warm salt water and warm water bath applied to the hands and feet on pain, fatigue, sleep quality and functional capacity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The study was conducted between January 2022 and October 2022 in the Rheumatology Polyclinic of Ankara Health Sciences University Gülhane Training and Research Hospital with 54 patients as warm salt water (n=18), warm water (n=18) and control group (n=18). Randomization method was used in the study. Patients were stratified according to pain score (5-7) and (8-10). Patients in this group applied a 41°C warm salt and warm water bath three times a week for six weeks in line with the training given. The patients in the control group did not undergo any intervention other than routine treatment and care. Visual Analog Scale, Bristol Rheumatoid Arthritis Fatigue Multidimensional Questionnaire, Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index, Health Assessment Questionnaire were used in the study. As a result of the study, there was a statistically significant difference between warm salt water, warm water and control groups in terms of pre-test and post-test pain and fatigue levels (p<0,05). , while warm salt water compared to warm water in pain; It was concluded that warm water is more effective than warm salt water in fatigue. While there was no significant difference in functional capacity and sleep quality between the three groups (p>0,05)., warm salty and warm water had the same effect on sleep; On the other hand, it was determined that only warm salt water had an effect on functional capacity. It is recommended to include warm salt water bath and warm water bath in the training program for symptom management in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Keywords: Functional capacity, fatique, nurse, pain, sleep quality, rheumatoid arthritis, warm salt bath, warm water bath.