Clinical trial NCT06474910: Connective Tissue Massage in Scleroderma
Official title: Connective Tissue Massage in Patients With Scleroderma
Study type: INTERVENTIONAL
Overall status: RECRUITING
Phase: NA
Conditions: Scleroderma
Keywords: Scleroderma
Connective tissue massage
mobility
Lead sponsor: Firat University
Sponsor class: OTHER
First posted: 2024-06-26
Enrollment: 30
Sex: ALL
Minimum age (years): 18
Maximum age (years): 65
Standard ages: ADULT
OLDER_ADULT
Accepts healthy volunteers: no
Allocation: RANDOMIZED
Intervention model: PARALLEL
Primary purpose: TREATMENT

Brief summary: The only study in the literature that examined connective tissue massage in patients with scleroderma is by Bongi et al. In this study, connective tissue massage and Mc Mennell joint manipulation technique were applied to the experimental group in addition to the home exercise program. The control group was offered only a home exercise program. The results of the study showed that the group in which connective tissue massage and Mc Mennell joint manipulation technique were applied were effective on hand functions, quality of life and mobility. The aim of our study was to examine the effects of connective tissue massage applied in addition to the exercise program.The study will include 30 patients diagnosed with scleroderma according to American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism criteria and followed up in Fırat University Rheumatology Department. Patients will be divided into two groups; 15 patients in the first group will be applied connective tissue massage to the hand and forearm area in addition to the exercise program for hand rehabilitation. In the second group, 15 patients will only receive an exercise program.

Detailed description: Although there are various physiotherapy interventions in scleroderma rehabilitation, there is no definitive guideline. Passive and active stretching has been shown to help maintain range of motion (ROM) and optimal length of structures. Home exercises form part of rehabilitation in most studies. The only study in the literature that examined connective tissue massage in patients with scleroderma is by Bongi et al. In this study, connective tissue massage and Mc Mennell joint manipulation technique were applied to the experimental group in addition to the home exercise program. The control group was offered only a home exercise program. The results of the study showed that the group in which connective tissue massage and Mc Mennell joint manipulation technique were applied were effective on hand functions, quality of life and mobility. The aim of our study was to examine the effects of connective tissue massage applied in addition to the exercise program.The study will include 30 patients diagnosed with scleroderma according to American College of Rheumatology/European League Against Rheumatism criteria and followed up in Fırat University Rheumatology Department. Patients will be divided into two groups; 15 patients in the first group will be applied connective tissue massage to the hand and forearm area in addition to the exercise program for hand rehabilitation. In the second group, 15 patients will only receive an exercise program. Range of motion, skin thickness and hand mobility test will be evaluated.

Eligibility criteria: Inclusion Criteria:

* Between the ages of 18-65
* Stable on medical treatment
* Be able to adapt to exercise

Exclusion Criteria:

* Diagnosed with juvenile onset scleroderma
* Accompanied by another rheumatic disease
* Active digital ulcer
* Chronic disease or trauma history that will affect hand functions

Primary outcomes:
measure: Mobility assessment
timeFrame: 2 minutes
Secondary outcomes:
measure: Skin thickness assessment
timeFrame: 1 minute
measure: Range of motion assessment
timeFrame: 2 minutes
Other outcomes:
Locations:
city: Elazığ
country: Turkey
facility: Songul Baglan Yentur
Study officials:
References: