Air pressure splint effects on hand symptoms of patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Thirty patients with symptomatic rheumatoid arthritis (RA) of both hands were treated with an air pressure splint. Evaluations were made by measuring ring size, hand volume, range and rate of finger motions, grip strength and degree of pain and stiffness. One hand was randomly assigned to the treatment group while the other served as a control. Patients received the air splint treatment for 5 consecutive days. Data were analyzed by a 2-factor repeated analysis of variance to determine the effectiveness of 1 treatment, the cumulative effect of 5 treatments, the effect of the 5th treatment, and whether the results after the 1st treatment lasted until the 5th treatment. All measurements except hand volume significantly improved with the 1st treatment. Furthermore, the beneficial effects persisted throughout the treatment period. These data indicate the air splint treatment is effective in reducing swelling and other symptoms of RA in the hands.