Upper Extremity Home Exercises in Patients With Scleroderma
Condition: Scleroderma; System; Sclerosis
MeSH terms: Scleroderma, Systemic; Scleroderma, Diffuse; Scleroderma, Localized
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      Hand involvement in scleroderma leads to functional disability due to the relationship
      between grip strength, wrist and finger movement. The vast majority of patients report that
      their activities are restricted and their quality of life decreases for this reason.
      Literature indicate that more work is needed to continue to develop and evaluate
      rehabilitation interventions in this population.

      This study is a randomized controlled study examining the effects of 8 weeks of upper
      extremity home exercises on grip strength, normal joint movement, activity performance and
      functionality in patients with scleroderma. In our study, it is aimed to contribute to the
      standardization of upper extremity exercise protocols for scleroderma patients, to increase
      the quality of life of patients and to increase their independence in daily living
      activities.
    

Detailed description: 
      The primary aim of the study is to examine the effects of upper extremity exercises on joint
      range of motion, grip strength, activity performance and functionality in patients with
      scleroderma, and thus contribute to the standardization of exercise protocols for the upper
      extremity in patients with scleroderma. The secondary aim of the study is to ensure the
      independence of scleroderma patients in their daily living activities and to increase their
      quality of life.

      At least 46 scleroderma patients meeting the inclusion criteria will be included in the
      study. Demographic information form, Canadian Activity Performance Measurement (COPM), Arm,
      Shoulder and Hand Problems Questionnaire (DASH), Chronic Rheumatological Influence of the
      Hands Assessment and Measurement Score Questionnaire (SACRAH), Duruöz Hand Index (DHI) will
      be applied to the patients, upper extremity joint range of motion will be applied, gross and
      fine grip strength measurements will be made.

      After the initial evaluation, patients will be randomized to intervention and control groups.
      Upper extremity home exercises including stretching and strengthening will be taught to the
      intervention group, and they will be asked to do it 5 days a week for 8 weeks. For eight
      weeks, the patients will be supported by the phone by the physiotherapist and it will be
      checked whether they do the exercises. The control group will be trained on the principles of
      joint protection. At the end of eight weeks, patients will have their final evaluation and
      analysis.
    

Intervention name(s): Upper Extremity Home Exercises
Intervention type(s): Other
Intervention description(s): The exercises will be performed as follows:
Stretching exercises: It will be applied in the form of 10 seconds*10 repetitions for fingers, wrists, elbows and shoulders.
Strengthening exercises: It will be applied as 2 sets*10 repetitions for fingers, wrists, elbows and shoulders.
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Intervention model description: 1) Intervention Group:
The patients in the intervention group will be asked to practice upper extremity home exercises including stretching, mobility and strengthening, as home exercises, 5 days a week for 8 weeks, which will be taught by the physiotherapist. The exercises will be performed as follows:
Stretching exercises: It will be applied in the form of 10 seconds*10 repetitions for fingers, wrists, elbows and shoulders.
Strengthening exercises: It will be applied as 2 sets*10 repetitions for fingers, wrists, elbows and shoulders.
Patients will be instructed to perform the exercises according to their pain tolerance. The compliance of the patients with the exercise will be checked during this process and the evaluations will be repeated at the end of 8 weeks.
2) Control Group: The patients in the control group will be taught the principles of joint protection and evaluations will be made again after 8 weeks.
Masking: Double (Participant, Outcomes Assessor)
Primary purpose: Treatment
Keywords: Scleroderma; Upper extremity exercises; Home exercises; Grip strength