The presence of central sensitization leads to overestimation of pain sensitivity and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. Central sensitization should not be overlooked in RA patients to avoid over-treatment for inflammation and to determine the need for treatment of nociplastic pain. While literature contains no studies comparing alternative programs with the standard hand rehabilitation program in the presence of central sensitization in rheumatoid arthritis patients, the objective of this study is to investigate whether desensitization exercises provide additional benefit in this patient group.
The study is designed prospectively and will be conducted between August 22, 2025, and June 22, 2026. Patients who are regularly followed in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation rheumatology outpatient clinic of Haydarpasa Numune Training and Research Hospital and who meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria will be included. Demographic data such as age, height, weight, waist circumference, and diet type of participants will be recorded. At baseline, the Central Sensitization Scale, Rheumatoid Arthritis Quality of Life Scale, RA Articular Damage Score, Health Assessment Questionnaire, and Duruöz Hand Index questionnaires will be administered. DAS28 and ACR50 responses will be noted. Sedimentation and CRP values from routine follow-up files, as well as hand dynamometry and pinchmeter (lateral, palmar, and fingertip) grip strengths, will be recorded. The study consists of one group of rheumatoid arthritis patients and two groups of rheumatoid arthritis patients with accompanying central sensitization. Group 1 (Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients) and Group 2 (Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients with Central Sensitization) will be taught determined strengthening and mobility exercises under the supervision of a physiotherapist to ensure correct home application. The investigator will also provide recorded exercise videos and handouts for patients. Group 3 (RA Patients with Central Sensitization) will additionally perform desensitization exercises 7 days a week for 3 months, in addition to the strengthening and mobility exercises. Randomization will be conducted using the sealed envelope method. Patient compliance with the exercise program will be monitored by the investigator via telephone contact on specific days of the week.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
81
Participants will be asked to practice home exercises every day of the week for 12 weeks. The SARAH exercise program consists of 7 mobility and 4 strengthening exercises. Progress will be made by increasing the repetitions and duration of the exercises every week.
Participants will be asked to practice home exercises every day of the week for 12 weeks. The SARAH exercise program consists of 7 mobility and 4 strengthening exercises. Progress will be made by increasing the repetitions and duration of the exercises every week.
Participants will be asked to practice home exercises every day of the week for 12 weeks. The SARAH exercise program consists of 7 mobility and 4 strengthening exercises. In addition to the strengthening and mobility exercises, participants will also perform desensitization exercises 7 days a week for 3 months. Progress will be made by increasing the repetitions and duration of the exercises every week.
Haydarpaşa Numune Eğitim Ve Araştirma Hastanesi Validebağ Ek Hizmet Binasi
Istanbul, ÜSKÜDAR, Turkey (Türkiye)
VAS
The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) is used to assess pain intensity. Scores range from 0 to 10, where 0 represents "no pain" and 10 represents "the worst possible pain." Lower scores indicate a better clinical outcome.
Time frame: Assessments will be conducted at baseline, at the end of the 3-month exercise program, and at the 6-month follow-up.
CENTRAL DESENSİTİZATİON SCALE
Participants were categorized based on their Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) scores, which range from 0 (no symptoms) to 100 (extreme symptoms). A clinical threshold was set at 40; participants scoring 40 or higher were identified as meeting the criteria for central sensitization
Time frame: Assessments will be conducted at baseline, at the end of the 3-month exercise program, and at the 6-month follow-up.
DURUOZ HAND INDEX
Participants achieved a functional response based on the Duruöz Hand Index (DHI), which ranges from 0 (best outcome) to 90 (worst outcome). A response was defined as a significant reduction in the total score from baseline, where lower scores indicate improved hand function and independence in daily activities.
Time frame: Assessments will be conducted at baseline, at the end of the 3-month exercise program, and at the 6-month follow-up.
Dynamometer-measured hand grip strength measurements (kg)
Hand grip strength was measured using a calibrated dynamometer to assess isometric muscle strength. Results are reported in kilograms (kg). On this scale, higher values indicate greater muscle strength and better physical performance (best outcome), while lower values indicate reduced grip strength (worst outcome).
Time frame: Assessments will be conducted at baseline, at the end of the 3-month exercise program, and at the 6-month follow-up.
Pinchmeter-measured finger strength measurements (kg) (Tip, Lateral, Palmar)
Finger pinch strength was measured using a calibrated pinchmeter to evaluate fine motor strength in three positions: Tip pinch (thumb to index finger), Lateral pinch (thumb to the radial side of the index finger), and Palmar pinch (thumb to index and middle fingers). Measurements are recorded in kilograms (kg). Higher values indicate greater functional strength and better hand performance (best outcome), whereas lower values indicate reduced pinch force (worst outcome).
Time frame: Assessments will be conducted at baseline, at the end of the 3-month exercise program, and at the 6-month follow-up.
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