OP0248 THE IMPACT OF EXERCISE ON HAND FUNCTION AND QUALITY OF LIFE OF PATIENTS WITH SYSTEMIC LUPUS ERYTHEMATOSUS: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL. (June 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Keramiotou, Kyriaki; Anagnostou, Christos; Galanos, Antonis; Kataxaki, Evaggelia; Sfikakis, Petros; Tektonidou, Maria
• Is Part Of: Annals of the rheumatic diseases. Volume 78(2019)Supplement 2
• Page Start: 204
• Page End: 204
• Publication Date: 2019-06
• Subjects: Rheumatism -- Periodicals; 616.723005
• DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2019-eular.1411
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0003-4967

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) has a significant impact on the ability to perform daily activities and patients' quality of life. To date, no studies have examined the effect of exercise on hand function and quality of life of SLE patients. Objectives: To determine the effect of exercise on hand strength, dexterity and performance of daily activities, and the quality of life of SLE patients. Methods: A randomized, 24-week follow-up trial was designed. A total of 240 consecutive SLE patients fulfilling the SLICC classification criteria were evaluated. Sixty two patients who met the inclusion criteria [age>18 years, upper limb arthralgias, DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand) score>10 and stable drug regimen for ≥3 months], were randomly assigned to the exercise group (n=32) or the routine care (control) group (n=30). Patients in the exercise group received by the hand therapist a 30 min daily program at home of strengthening and stretching upper limb exercises for 12 weeks. Performance of daily activities was evaluated with the DASH and HAQ questionnaires, the grip and pinch strength with the Jamar dynamometer and pinch gauge tools respectively, the dexterity with the Purdue pegboard test, and the quality of life with the LUPUSQoL questionnaire, at 0, 6, 12 (end of the exercise program) and 24 weeks for both groups. SLE activity and cumulative organ damage were evaluated with the SLEDAI and SLICC/ACR-DI, respectively. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between two groups in age (p=0.062), sex (p=0.346), disease duration (p=0.065), SLEDAI (p=0.937), SLICC/ACR-DI (p=0.242), number of tender joints (p=0.703), and use of corticosteroids (p=0.640), hydroxycloroquine (p=0.985) or immunosupressives (p=0.806). Thirty patients (93.75%) from the exercise group completed the 12-week exercise program and 28 (87.5%) were re-evaluated at 24 weeks; 30 patients (100%) of control group completed the 24-week study. The percent changes of DASH and HAQ scores were significantly lower (improvement) in the exercise group compared to control group at all-time points. Moreover, all percent changes of grip strength, pinch strength hand dexterity and the LupusQol score were significantly higher in the exercise group compared to control group at all-time points (Table 1). All values are presented as median (interquartile range). DASH=Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand), HAQ=Health Assessment Questionnaire, LUPUSQoL=Lupus Quality of Life, PH=physical health domain, DH=dominant hand, JAW=tripoid pinch, COM=combination. Conclusion: Upper limb exercise, significantly improves hand function and quality of life in SLE patients. Clinicaltrials.gov Id: NCT03802578 Disclosure of Interests: : None declared