This pretest-posttest randomized controlled study aimed to determine the effect of warm salt water and warm water bath applied to the hands and feet on pain, fatigue, sleep quality, and functional capacity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The study consisted of three groups. These groups consisted of two intervention groups and one control group. As a result of the power analysis, it was determined that 54 people should be reached. Visual Analog Scale, Bristol Rheumatoid Arthritis Fatigue Multidimensional Questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, and Health Assessment Questionnaire were used in the study. Patients in intervention groups applied a 41°C warm salt and warm water bath three times a week for six weeks in line with the training given. The patients in the control group did not undergo any intervention other than routine treatment and care.
The study was conducted at Gulhane Training and Research Hospital Rheumatology Polyclinic, in Turkey. The sample of the study consisted of 54 patients. Eighteen patients in the warm saltwater group were trained using the video demonstration method to make the intervention. Eighteen patients in the lukewarm water group were trained using the video demonstration method to make the intervention. Eighteen patients in the control group were not given any training other than their routine treatment and care. Each patient's pain, fatigue, sleep quality, and functional capacities were measured 24 hours before the intervention. The study lasted six weeks for each patient. The patients in the intervention group performed their interventions three times a week, every other day. The patients were checked by calling every week by phone. Pain, fatigue, sleep quality, and functional capacity of each patient were measured within one week at the latest, after the end of the practices.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
54
Warm water and warm salt water bath were applied to the hands and feet of the patients. It is a non-pharmacological intervention
S.B.Ü Gülhane Training and Education Hospital
Ankara, Turkey (Türkiye)
Pain Visual Analog Scale
Pain is among the main reasons for rheumatoid arthritis patients to apply to the hospital and seek medical care.
Time frame: It was applied just before the interventions and six weeks after interventions. Change from baseline pain scores at the end of sixth week.
Bristol Rheumatoid Arthritis Fatigue Multidimensional Questionnaire
Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms experienced by rheumatoid arthritis patients and this symptom affects most patients.
Time frame: It was applied just before the interventions and six weeks after the interventions. Change from baseline fatigue scores at the end of sixth week.
Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index
An average of 50-70% of patients with rheumatoid arthritis complain of sleep disorders such as difficulty falling asleep, decreased sleep quality, restless sleep, night waking and Excessive daytime sleepiness.
Time frame: It was applied just before the interventions and six weeks after interventions. Change from baseline sleep quality scores at the end of sixth week.
Health Assessment Questionnaire
The quality of life of patients with rheumatoid arthritis is adversely affected by the symptoms they experience.
Time frame: It was applied just before the interventions and six weeks after interventions. Change from baseline health assessment scores at the end of sixth week.
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