Occupational Therapy Treatment to Improve Upper Extremity Function in Individuals with Early Systemic Sclerosis: A...

Area of Science:

• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Rheumatology
• Occupational Therapy

Background:

• Systemic sclerosis (SSc), or scleroderma, often leads to upper extremity contractures, impairing function.
• Early intervention is crucial for managing SSc complications and improving patient quality of life.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the feasibility of an 8-week in-person occupational therapy program for patients with early SSc and upper extremity contractures.
• To determine the preliminary effects of this therapy on upper extremity function and related outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A single-group pilot clinical trial involving 21 patients with SSc and upper extremity contractures.
• Therapy included thermal modalities, tissue mobilization, and upper extremity exercises, with home exercise instruction.
• Feasibility was measured by enrollment, attendance, and duration; outcomes included QuickDASH, PROMIS physical function, and objective measures.

Main Results:

• High enrollment (88%) and completion (91%) rates indicate feasibility.
• Statistically significant improvements were observed in the QuickDASH (P=0.0012) and PROMIS physical function (P=0.004) scores at 8 weeks.
• Approximately 50% of participants achieved minimally important differences in functional improvements.

Conclusions:

• In-person occupational therapy is a feasible and effective intervention for patients with early SSc.
• The therapy demonstrated statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements in upper extremity and physical function.
• Future research should include a control group and assess the long-term durability of treatment effects.