Background/Purpose: Compression gloves are used in Hand Osteoarthritis (HOA) to reduce pain (day and/or night), stiffness and improve hand function. A systematic review identified only two trials (sample sizes n= 2 and 5), with inconclusive results [1]. The commonest compression gloves provided in the UK are Isotoner gloves. The aim was to evaluate effects of compression gloves on hand pain, stiffness and function.
Methods:
A pre-post-test trial was conducted. Participants were recruited from 10 Rheumatology Occupational Therapy (OT) departments; had a doctor diagnosis of HOA and no steroid injections or new/changed medication within the previous 4 weeks. Assessments at 0 and 4 weeks included: hand pain on activity and at night, hand stiffness (all 0-10 numeric rating scales: none to very severe); Measure of Activity Performance of the Hand [MAP-HAND, 2]; Grip Ability Test [GAT, 3]; and composite finger flexion to distal wrist crease (CFF). OT assessors were trained in standardised hand assessment procedures. Assessor inter-rater reliability (ICC,10) was good : CFF (0.76-0.93); GAT (0.98) [4]. All participants received Isotoner ¾ finger gloves. Data were analysed using paired t-tests and effect sizes calculated using eta-squared (values of 0.14+ = large effect, 5).
Results:
30 people with HOA participated: 28 women, 2 men); average age = 61.23(SD 8.35) years; time since diagnosis 4.71(SD 6.47)years. (Right hand data presented below).
|
Mean(SD) |
0 weeks |
4 weeks |
p |
Effect size |
|
Hand pain on activity |
7.30 (1.61) |
6.22 (1.99) |
0.008 |
0.24 |
|
Hand pain at night |
6.56 (2.10) |
4.19 (2.20) |
0.000 |
0.45 |
|
Hand stiffness |
7.22 (1.74) |
5.85 (2.14) |
0.01 |
0.44 |
|
MAP-HAND |
25.33 (7.08) |
24.03 (7.87) |
0.14 |
0.07 |
|
GAT |
40.05 (12.04) |
33.14 (13.10) |
0.000 |
0.50 |
|
CFF Index (cms) |
6.84 (2.17) |
6.44 (2.33) |
0.05 |
0.14 |
|
CFF Middle (cms) |
5.72 (2.23) |
5.29 (2.25) |
0.03 |
0.17 |
Conclusion: This study demonstrates, for the first time, that compression gloves used by people with HOA led to significant improvements in: pain during the day and night, stiffness, hand function and finger motion, with moderate to large effect sizes. A limitation was the lack of a control group meaning we cannot be certain benefits were due to compression gloves. A randomised controlled trial needs to be conducted, including longer follow-up.
1 Hammond et al (2014) Rheumatology 53(suppl 1):i125; 2. Paulsen et al (2010) J Rehabil Med 42:636-644; 3. Dellhag & Bjelle (1995) J Rheumatol 22:1559-65; 4. Hammond et al (2014) Rheumatology 53(suppl 1):i124; 5. Cohen (1988) Statistical power for the Behavioural Sciences (Ehlrbaum).
Disclosure:
A. Hammond,
Jobskin UK,
2,
Promedics Orthopaedics Ltd,
2,
Dowager Eleanor Peel Trust,
2;
Y. Prior,
None;
V. Jones,
None;
M. Dooley,
None;
Y. Hough,
None;
A. Jacklin,
None.
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