| Methods |
A 6 week, outcome assessor blinded, cross‐over study, no co‐interventions allowed.
Assessments were done at baseline and after 6 weeks.
Quality: 2/2/2/1 |
| Participants |
150 RA patients randomised (76 EG/74 CG), 23 drop‐outs (7/16), leaving 127 (69/59) for analysis. Inclusion: RA according to ARA‐criteria; referral for PT (first to CTS); disease onset after 18 yr; ability to read, write, speak English; understand purpose of study and informed consent; requires > 3 visits or > 2 h of PT; available for follow‐up; at least 3 of 12 improvement areas, 6 tender and painful joints, 45 min morning stiffness; functional class 2 or 3. Exclusion: involvement in pilot study, require urgent care; current or past participatation in similar programme. |
| Interventions |
EG: 4 visits (3h) of physical therapy over 6 weeks, including: total evaluation of disease activity, and level of function; review of 5 brochures, RA disease management, medications, nutrition and exercise and access to community resources and individual goal setting.
CG: Waiting list controls (after 6 weeks) |
| Outcomes |
Included: VAS‐pain, tender joint count.
Others: Stanford Arthritis Self‐Efficacy Scales. |
| Notes |
ARA = American Rheumatism Association
PT = Physical Therapy
CTS = Consultation and Therapy Service
VAS = Visual Analogue Scale |
