The Effect of Adding Paraffin Bath to the Therapeutic Hand Exercise Programme on Hand Functions in Patients with...

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Background:

• Systemic sclerosis (SSc) frequently causes hand involvement, leading to impaired function and pain.
• Paraffin bath therapy is a recognized topical treatment for various hand conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of adding paraffin bath therapy to an exercise program for patients with SSc and hand involvement.
• To assess the impact on pain, hand movements, and overall hand function.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 40 patients with SSc and hand dysfunction (Cochin Hand Functional Scale ≥ 10).
• Patients were assigned to either an exercise-only group (control) or an exercise plus paraffin bath group.
• Assessments included the Cochin Hand Functional Scale, Modified Hand Mobility in Scleroderma (HAMIS), Delta Finger-To-Palm (DFTP), Hand Grip Strength (HGS), and Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) at baseline, 6, and 12 weeks.

Main Results:

• Both groups showed significant improvements in hand function parameters (COCHIN, HAMIS, HGS) from baseline at 6 and 12 weeks.
• The paraffin bath group demonstrated additional significant improvements in pain (NRS) and finger-to-palm flexibility (DFTP-Right Hand).
• A statistically significant reduction in pain (NRS) was observed in the paraffin bath group compared to the control group at both 6 and 12 weeks.

Conclusions:

• Therapeutic hand exercises are effective in improving hand function for SSc patients.
• The addition of paraffin baths to exercise programs offers significant pain relief for SSc patients with hand involvement.
• Paraffin bath therapy may be a beneficial adjunct treatment for managing hand symptoms in systemic sclerosis.