Comparing the effectiveness of home exercises and exercises with physiotherapist in the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Aim: The aim of our study is to determine the effectiveness of the exercises performed in the treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patients with a physiotherapist as a home exercise program; for muscle strength, range of motion, pain, and functionality of the hand before and after treatment and then determine in which group the exercises are more efficient by comparing these two groups with each other. Materials and Methods: MCBU Medical Faculty Hospital Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Department and sixty female patients aged 18-65 years who came to the clinic and were diagnosed with RA by the attending physician were included in this study. Patients, 30 people in the home exercise group and 30 people in the supervised group, were divided into 2 groups randomly selected and applied the same treatment protocol: The wrist range of motion of the subjects participating in the study was measured with goniometer and grip strength with digital hand dynamometer. Pain intensity is determined by visual analog scale (VAS); dexterity, fine motor and upper extremity functionality were evaluated with the Motor Performance Series (MLS). Results: At the end of the study, it was found that the parameters that play an important role in the daily life functions of the individual such as range of motion, muscle strength, pain and fine motor skills were positively affected by exercise in RA patients in both groups. In the evaluation between groups; a significant difference inright hand grip strength, flexion angle of the right and left hand, radial deviation angle of the right and left ankle, right wrist ulnar deviation angle, right and left hand metacarpophalangeal joint angle, right and left hand proximal interphalangial joint angle, right and left hand distal interphalangial joint angle, right and left hand stability, right and left hand line tracking, were determined (p<0.05). Conclusion: Exercise was found to be positive and progressive for both groups, as well as more effective and progressive in the supervised group. Key words: Hand function, exercise, rheumatoid arthritis