The purpose of the study is to determine whether a novel computer gaming hand exercise regimen would improve hand function, decrease pain/ stiffness and be feasible in people with Rheumatoid arthritis or Osteoarthritis affecting the hands.
A novel computer gaming hand exercise regimen has been designed for people with Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or Osteo arthritis (OA) affecting the hands. The design allows a broad range of common objects of daily life to be seamlessly transformed into 'therapeutic' input devices by instrumenting with a small motion sense mouse. Based on individual abilities and treatment needs, objects are selected to train specific fine/ gross dexterous functions. The object manipulations (therapeutic exercises) are then used to control and play any commercially available computer game, making practice challenging and engaging. The study is of six weeks duration comparing the computer gaming and conventional hand exercises in thirty people diagnosed with RA or OA affecting the hands. The investigators hypothesize that the game based exercises will improve hand function and reduce pain/stiffness and be feasible compared to the conventional hand exercises.A mixed-effect repeated measures analysis of variance will be conducted to test pre to post treatment outcomes. This will be the first study to evaluate the therapeutic effects and feasibility of the computer gaming hand exercise regimen in people with RA or OA.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
16
Exercises targeted to improve finger range of motion and hand strength.The exercises will be performed 30 minutes,four times per week for six weeks
Computer gaming hand exercise regimen using common objects of daily life. The hand exercises are coupled with commercially available computer games and will be performed 30 minutes,four times per week for six weeks
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
Change from baseline in Arthritis Hand Function Test (AHFT) at 6 weeks
The Arthritis Hand Function Test(AHFT) is an 11-item performance based test to measure grip and pinch strength, dexterity, applied strength and applied dexterity in people with arthritis.
Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks
Change from baseline in Disabilities of Arm,Shoulder and Hand(DASH) questionnaire at 6 weeks
The DASH is a self-report questionnaire, with 30 items designed to measure functional ability and symptoms in people with any of several musculo skeletal disorders of the upper limb
Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks
Change from baseline in Paddle game based hand function assessment tool at 6 weeks
A novel, paddle game based hand function assessment tool has been developed designed to: 1) Objectively quantify the quality of finger hand movements (task performance) during manipulation of broad range of common objects independent of physical properties, anatomical requirements and task goal/context, 2) Quantify pain and joint stiffness during each object manipulation task, 3) Track changes in finger hand function over time and 4) Aid in clinical decision making
Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks
Personal exercise log diary
Exercise compliance will be measured at the end of 6 weeks of home exercise program
Time frame: End of 6 weeks of home exercise program
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