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Compression gloves for patients with hand arthritis (C-GLOVES): A feasibility study
1Centre for Health Sciences Research, University of Salford, Greater Manchester, UK.
Hand Therapy
|October 31, 2023
Summary
Compression gloves are feasible for hand arthritis patients, showing improvements in pain and function. This study paves the way for larger trials on compression glove effectiveness for arthritis management.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Orthopedics
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Compression gloves are commonly prescribed for hand arthritis, but evidence supporting their efficacy is limited.
- This study aimed to assess the feasibility of conducting a clinical trial on compression gloves for hand arthritis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the feasibility of recruitment, assessment, and treatment procedures for a future compression glove trial.
- To identify the most relevant primary outcome measure for future studies.
Main Methods:
- A non-randomized feasibility study involving outpatients with inflammatory arthritis or hand osteoarthritis experiencing moderate to severe hand pain.
- Participants received Isotoner™ compression gloves and were assessed at baseline and four weeks for pain, stiffness, joint swelling, finger flexion, and hand function.
Main Results:
- Recruitment and assessment procedures were feasible, with 48% of inflammatory arthritis and 47% of hand osteoarthritis patients consenting.
- Significant improvements were observed in hand pain (on activity and at night), stiffness, joint swelling, finger flexion, and hand function.
- Participants reported improved hand pain, stiffness, and function as primary benefits.
Conclusions:
- The tested procedures, including assessment and treatment protocols, were feasible for a future compression glove trial.
- Hand pain on activity emerged as the most relevant primary outcome.
- Sample size calculations indicated a need for 161 participants for inflammatory arthritis and 151 for hand osteoarthritis in future trials.
