Hand exercise intervention in patients with polymyositis and dermatomyositis: a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Polymyositis (PM) and dermatomyositis (DM) are inflammatory myopathies that can lead to significant hand dysfunction.
• Reduced handgrip strength and activity limitations are common in patients with established, inactive PM and DM.
• A structured hand exercise intervention is needed to improve hand function in these patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a 12-week hand exercise intervention for patients with PM and DM.
• To assess adherence, patient opinions on program design, and overall feasibility.
• To determine the intervention's effect on hand function and activity limitation.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study involving 15 patients with inactive PM or DM and reduced handgrip strength.
• Intervention adherence was targeted at 75%, with evaluation based on patient feedback on exertion and feasibility.
• Assessed hand- and pinch-grip strength, grip ability, dexterity, and activity limitation.

Main Results:

• Eleven patients completed the intervention with adherence rates of 78-100%.
• Baseline handgrip strength, dexterity, and activity limitation were below normative values.
• Some patients showed clinically meaningful improvements in hand function, with a significant increase in left-hand three-jaw pinch-grip strength.

Conclusions:

• The developed hand exercise program is feasible for patients with established PM or DM.
• The intervention demonstrated limited overall effectiveness, with few individual improvements.
• Recommendations include increasing resistance and limiting exercise session duration for future interventions.