Physical rehabilitation interventions for hand function in people with systemic sclerosis

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology
• Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

Background:

• Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is an autoimmune disease causing significant hand and wrist issues.
• Manifestations include edema, fibrosis, stiffness, and functional impairment, impacting daily activities.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and synthesize evidence on various interventions aimed at improving hand function in Systemic sclerosis patients.
• To evaluate the efficacy of manual therapy, exercises, telerehabilitation, and other modalities.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of studies evaluating manual therapy, prescribed and self-administered hand exercises, telerehabilitation, paraffin wax, therapeutic ultrasound, manual lymphatic drainage, and dynamic splinting.
• Evidence synthesis on improving hand function in people with SSc.

Main Results:

• Evidence synthesis on manual therapy, prescribed hand exercises, self-administered hand exercise protocols, telerehabilitation, paraffin wax, therapeutic ultrasound, manual lymphatic drainage, and dynamic splinting.
• The review synthesizes evidence on interventions to improve hand function in Systemic sclerosis patients.

Conclusions:

• Various therapeutic interventions show potential for improving hand function in Systemic sclerosis.
• Further research is needed to establish optimal treatment protocols for hand involvement in SSc.