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Evaluation of a home training programme to improve shoulder function in rheumatoid arthritis patients
Mannerkorpi K, Bjelle A
Physiotherapy Theory and Practice 1994;10(2):69-76
clinical trial
4/10 [Eligibility criteria: Yes; Random allocation: Yes; Concealed allocation: No; Baseline comparability: Yes; Blind subjects: No; Blind therapists: No; Blind assessors: No; Adequate follow-up: No; Intention-to-treat analysis: No; Between-group comparisons: Yes; Point estimates and variability: Yes. Note: Eligibility criteria item does not contribute to total score] *This score has been confirmed*

A home training programme for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) subjects with shoulder dysfunction was evaluated. Twenty-eight consecutive female outpatients with RA and shoulder dysfunction were randomly assigned to two groups. One group (n = 14) received instructions for shoulder training, whereas the other (n = 14) served as a control group. Six of the control group also received home training instructions after the control period and were also included in the training group. After 8 weeks, the training group had improved muscle endurance in both arms and reported decreased pain on active motion of both shoulders. Abduction of the left arm and hand-to-neck mobility of the right arm were improved compared with the controls. It is concluded that an individually adapted home training programme, taught by a physiotherapist, can decrease pain on active shoulder motion and increase endurance of shoulder muscles in RA subjects.

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