Rheumatoid arthritis in upper limbs benefits from moderate pressure massage therapy.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to compare the effects of moderate pressure versus light pressure massage therapy on pain, grip strength, and range of motion in adults with rheumatoid arthritis in the upper limbs.
Results Summary
The moderate pressure massage group showed reduced pain, improved grip strength, and greater range of motion in wrist and upper joints compared to the light pressure group after the first and last sessions, with sustained benefits after one month.
Population
Adults with rheumatoid arthritis in the upper limbs.
Effective Dosage
Therapist-administered massage once a week and self-massage once daily.
Duration
4 weeks.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
moderate pressure massage therapy | decrease | pain | adults with rheumatoid arthritis in the upper limbs | - | had less pain | #1 |
moderate pressure massage therapy | increase | grip strength | adults with rheumatoid arthritis in the upper limbs | - | perceived greater grip strength | #2 |
moderate pressure massage therapy | increase | grip strength | adults with rheumatoid arthritis in the upper limbs | - | had greater grip strength | #3 |
moderate pressure massage therapy | increase | range of motion in their wrist and large upper joints (elbows and shoulders) | adults with rheumatoid arthritis in the upper limbs | - | had greater range of motion | #4 |
METHODS: Forty-two adults with rheumatoid arthritis in the upper limbs were randomly assigned to a moderate pressure or a light pressure massage therapy group. A therapist massaged the affected arm and shoulder once a week for a 4-week period and also taught the participant self-massage to be done once daily. RESULTS: The moderate pressure vs. the light pressure massage therapy group had less pain and perceived greater grip strength following the first and last massage sessions. By the end of the one month period the moderate pressure massage group had less pain, greater grip strength and greater range of motion in their wrist and large upper joints (elbows and shoulders).