Table 2.
Current practices in therapy management of rheumatoid arthritis affecting the hands (n=35).
| Survey items | Therapists n (%) | |
| Average number of rheumatoid arthritis patients seen per month | ||
| >15 | 12 (34) | |
| 10-15 | 11 (31) | |
| 5-10 | 3 (9) | |
| 1-5 | 9 (26) | |
| Hand outcomes evaluated | ||
| Pain | 33 (94) | |
| Self-reported hand function | 28 (80) | |
| Joint range of motion | 26 (74) | |
| Stiffness | 26 (74) | |
| Grip and pinch strength | 22 (63) | |
| Joint deformities | 19 (54) | |
| Performance-based hand function | 13 (37) | |
| Disease Activity Score 28 and activities of daily living | 4 (11) | |
| Types of hand exercises prescribed | ||
| Active range of motion | 34 (97) | |
| Strength | 27 (77) | |
| Tendon gliding | 20 (57) | |
| Nerve gliding, passive, or isometric | 4 (11) | |
| Other treatments | ||
| Self-management and coping strategies | 32 (91) | |
| Joint protection advice | 30 (86) | |
| Splinting | 24 (69) | |
| Thermotherapy | 15 (43) | |
| Therapeutic gloves, work support, and advice on activities of daily living | 6 (17) | |
| Electrotherapy | 2 (6) | |
| Methods to encourage exercise adherence | ||
| Exercise sheets | 33 (94) | |
| Review appointments | 29 (83) | |
| Exercise diaries | 8 (23) | |
| Exercise contracts | 2 (6) | |
| Telephone reminders | 1 (3) | |
| SARAHa program prescribed in practice | ||
| Yes | 26 (74) | |
| No | 9 (26) | |
aSARAH: Strengthening and Stretching for Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Hand.