Development and delivery of an exercise intervention for rheumatoid arthritis: strengthening and stretching for rheumatoid arthritis of the hand (SARAH) trial.

Journal article

This paper describes the development and implementation of a hand exercise intervention for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) as part of a large multi-centred randomised controlled trial in a U.K. National Health Service (NHS) setting. Participants are eligible if diagnosed with RA according to American College of Rheumatology criteria, have a history of disease activity, functional deficit or impairment in the hand and/or wrist, and have been on a stable medication regime for at least 3 months. The intervention development was informed by the current evidence base, published guidelines, clinician and expert opinion, and a pilot study. The exercise programme targets known, potentially modifiable physical impairments of the hand with 5 exercise sessions and a home exercise component over a 12 week period. The intervention will be provided to 240 participants along with usual care. A further 240 will receive usual care only as part of the control arm. Specific details of the treatments delivered are described. [ISRCTN no: 89936343].

Authors: Heine, P; Williams, M; Williamson, E; Bridle, C; Adams, J

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: Physiotherapy
• Volume: 98
• Issue: 2
• Pages: 121-130
• Publication date: 2012-06-01
• DOI: 10.1016/j.physio.2011.03.001
• EISSN: 1873-1465
• ISSN: 0031-9406
• Language: English
• Keywords: Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Hand; Research Design; Muscle Stretching Exercises; Humans; Hand Strength; Exercise Therapy; SARAH Team; Patient Compliance