Explore the vast range of titles available.

\"How to apply the precise treatment techniques of Total Reflexology, which combines craniosacral therapy and foot reflexology, to the hands\"-- Provided by publisher.

Objective This protocol paper describes the rationale and design of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) that aims to evaluate the (cost-)effectiveness of a 12 week e-self-management intervention (Happy Hands app) in people with hand osteoarthritis (HOA). Methods In this multicentre RCT, 376 people with HOA will be recruited from all four health regions in Norway. Consenting participants will be randomly allocated to either a control group receiving usual care or an intervention group receiving the Happy Hands app in addition to usual care. Primary outcome will be measured at 3-months follow-up as the proportion of participants classified as OMERACT-OARSI responders (a composite score comprising change in pain, function, and disease activity), analysed using logistic regression. Secondary outcomes, including pain, hand function, stiffness, quality-of-care, health-related quality-of-life, grip strength, adherence and healthcare costs will be measured at 3- and 6-months follow-up. Results Recruitment was initiated in November 2022 with a total of 386 participants recruited by August 2023, 194 in the intervention group and 192 in the control group. Data collection was completed in February 2024. Discussion To our knowledge, this is one of the first large-scale, multicentre RCTs assessing the (cost-)effectiveness of a self-management program delivered through a smartphone app for people with HOA. The results from this trial can enhance our understanding of the role technology can play in managing HOA. Trial registration NCT05568875 ( https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05568875 , pre-registered October 3, 2022).

Purpose Previous evidence regarding the impact of exercise interventions on chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy often focuses on lower-extremity functions, such as muscle strength and balance ability, while their effects on upper extremities remain unknown. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of combined hand exercise intervention on upper-extremity function, symptoms, and quality-of-life in patients with chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Methods After screening 341 patients, 42 were randomly assigned to either the intervention (n = 21) or control (n = 21) group. Participants were evaluated at baseline (T0) and after one (T1) and two (T2) chemotherapy cycles. The primary outcome was upper-extremity function measured using the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ) at T2. The intention-to-treat and as-treated populations were compared using a mixed-effect model. Results In the intention-to-treat analysis, the decline in activities of daily living of MHQ was significantly suppressed in the intervention group compared with that in the control group at T2 (difference: 7.23; 95% confidence interval: 0.35–14.10). Similarly, in the as-treated analysis, the decline in activities of daily living of MHQ was significantly suppressed in the intervention group compared with that in the control group at T2 (difference: 13.09; 95% confidence interval: 5.68–20.49). Pain also significantly improved in the intervention group compared with that in the control group at T2 (difference: 13.21; 95% confidence interval: − 22.91 to − 3.51). Conclusion The combined hand exercise intervention may improve upper-extremity function, such as by suppressing decline in ADL, and reduce pain in patients with CIPN.

This study aimed to investigate whether hand and finger exercises had an effect on shooting accuracy and if they did, determine the shot grouping of these exercises and analyze its relationship with shooting statistic data. In this study, to obtain the findings of the investigation, a model with a pretest and a posttest was implemented on an experimental and a control group. A total of forty teenage girls in the 15-18 age group having no shooting experience before participated in the study. Participants were divided into experimental and control groups. The experimental group regularly participated in hand and finger exercises for a total of 10 weeks, 3 days a week, 1 hour a day. Within the scope of the investigation, to determine the shooting accuracy of subjects, the SCATT Shooting Training System was utilized. In order to evaluate the data obtained from the sample group, a package program SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences) was used. The level of significance was considered to be 0.05 in statistical analysis. The investigation showed that there was a significant variance (p<0.01) between hand and finger exercises and shooting score, diametrical dispersion, mean length of aiming trace, and stability of aiming in pretestposttest measurements of the experimental group. Outcomes of our study have indicated that hand and finger exercises have a positive effect on shooting accuracy. In this study administered on subjects with no shooting experience before, we speculate that hand and finger exercises affect performance to such an extent that they will enhance shooting performance when combined with technical and mental training, and we recommend that shooters should specifically include hand and finger exercises in their training program.

Patient education, hand exercises, and the use of assistive devices are recommended as first-line treatments for individuals with hand osteoarthritis (OA). However, the quality of care services for this patient group is suboptimal in primary care. The overarching goal was to develop and evaluate feasibility of an app-based self-management intervention for people with hand OA. This feasibility study aims to assess self-reported usability and satisfaction, change in outcomes and quality-of-care, exercise adherence and patients' experiences using the app. The development and feasibility testing followed the first 2 phases of the Medical Research Council framework for the development and evaluation of complex interventions and were conducted in close collaboration with patient research partners (PRPs). A 3-month pre-post mixed methods design was used to evaluate feasibility. Men and women over 40 years of age diagnosed with painful, symptomatic hand OA were recruited. Usability was assessed using the System Usability Scale (0-100), while satisfaction, usefulness, pain, and stiffness were evaluated using a numeric rating scale (NRS score from 0 to 10). The activity performance of the hand was measured using the Measure of Activity Performance of the Hand (MAP-Hand) (1-4), grip strength was assessed with a Jamar dynamometer (kg), and self-reported quality of care was evaluated using the Osteoarthritis Quality Indicator questionnaire (0-100). Participants were deemed adherent if they completed at least 2 exercise sessions per week for a minimum of 8 weeks. Focus groups were conducted to explore participants' experiences using the app. Changes were analyzed using a paired sample t test (mean change and 95% CI), with the significance level set at P<.05. The first version of the Happy Hands app was developed based on the needs and requirements of the PRPs, evidence-based treatment recommendations, and the experiences of individuals living with hand OA. The app was designed to guide participants through a series of informational videos, exercise videos, questionnaires, quizzes, and customized feedback over a 3-month period. The feasibility study included 71 participants (mean age 64 years, SD 8; n=61, 86%, women), of whom 57 (80%) completed the assessment after 3 months. Usability (mean 91.5 points, SD 9.2 points), usefulness (median 8, IQR 7-10), and satisfaction (median 8, IQR 7-10) were high. Significant improvements were observed in self-reported quality of care (36.4 points, 95% CI 29.7-43.1, P<.001), grip strength (right: 2.9 kg, 95% CI 1.7-4.1; left: 3.2 kg, 95% CI 1.9-4.6, P<.001), activity performance (0.18 points, 95% CI 0.11-0.25, P<.001), pain (1.7 points, 95% CI 1.2-2.2, P<.001), and stiffness (1.9 points, 95% CI 1.3-2.4, P=.001) after 3 months. Of the 71 participants, 53 (75%) were adherent to the exercise program. The focus groups supported these results and led to the implementation of several enhancements in the second version of the app. The app-based self-management intervention was deemed highly usable and useful by patients. The results further indicated that the intervention may improve quality of care, grip strength, activity performance, pain, and stiffness. However, definitive conclusions need to be confirmed in a powered randomized controlled trial. NCT05150171.

The Strengthening and Stretching for Rheumatoid Arthritis of the Hand (SARAH) is a tailored, progressive exercise program for people having difficulties with wrist and hand function due to rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The program was evaluated in a large-scale clinical trial and was found to improve hand function, was safe to deliver, and was cost-effective. These findings led to the SARAH program being recommended in the UK National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidelines for the management of adults with RA. To facilitate the uptake of this evidence-based program by clinicians, we proposed a Web-based training program for SARAH (iSARAH) to educate and train physiotherapists and occupational therapists on delivering the SARAH program in their practice. The overall iSARAH implementation project was guided by the 5 phases of the analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation (ADDIE) system design model. The objective of our study was to conduct the first 3 phases of the model in the development of the iSARAH project. Following publication of the trial, the SARAH program materials were made available to therapists to download from the trial website for use in clinical practice. A total of 35 therapists who downloaded these materials completed an online survey to provide feedback on practice trends in prescribing hand exercises for people with RA, perceived barriers and facilitators to using the SARAH program in clinical practice, and their preferences for the content and Web features of iSARAH. The development and design of iSARAH were further guided by a team of multidisciplinary health professionals (n=17) who took part in a half-day development meeting. We developed the preliminary version of iSARAH and tested it among therapists (n=10) to identify and rectify usability issues and to produce the final version. The major recommendations made by therapists and the multidisciplinary team were having a simple Web design and layout, clear exercise pictures and videos, and compatibility of iSARAH on various browsers and devices. We rectified all usability issues in the preliminary version to develop the final version of iSARAH, which included 4 short modules and additional sections on self-assessment, frequently asked questions, and a resource library. The use of the ADDIE design model and engagement of end users in the development and evaluation phases have rendered iSARAH a convenient, easy-to-use, and effective Web-based learning resource for therapists on how to deliver the SARAH program. There is also huge potential for adapting iSARAH across different cultures and languages, thus opening more opportunities for wider uptake and application of the SARAH program into practice.

Background Finger exercise is a mind-body practice rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), grounded in meridian and acupoint theory. It consists of coordinated finger and hand movements, massage, and pressure techniques that stimulate the flow of Qi and improve circulation, strengthen hand–brain connectivity, and cultivate mindfulness. Finger exercise is intended to promote physical health, enhance cognitive function, and support mental well-being. Objective To introduce the concept of finger exercise, synthesize emerging evidence on its effects on general, physical, cognitive, and mental well-being, and explore potential mechanisms and implications for research and practice. A preliminary framework was developed based on initial evidence. Methods We conducted a literature search of randominzed controlled trials across three English and two Chinese databases using search terms such as “finger exercise” combined with keywords related to health, cognition, depression, anxiety, and sleep. A total of 12 studies published in English or Chinese (with English abstracts) were included in this review. Results The reviewed studies reported varied intervention protocols incorporating TCM principles, brain-hand coordination, pressure techniques, and mindfulness-based strategies. Preliminary evidence suggests that finger exercise may improve general functioning (eg, ADL/IADL), physical indicators (eg, fatigue, sleep), cognitive performance, and mental health (eg, depression, anxiety). Potential mechanisms include enhanced Qi flow, neuroplasticity, neurotransmitter modulation, reduced inflammation, and improved mindfulness. Conclusion Mindfulness-based finger exercise shows promise as a low-cost, safe, and easily implemented non-pharmacological intervention that can be done standing or seated and is also suitable for individuals with disabilities or mobility limitations. It has a potential to be integrated into community centers, nursing homes, hospitals, and rehabilitation programs. Further research should confirm its benefits and clarify mechanisms.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic inflammatory and chronic disease of joints, which may result in irreversible deformities. To evaluate the effects of an exercise programme aimed at improving the hand strength in individuals with hand deformities resulting from RA and to analyse the impact these exercises have on functionality. Twenty women with RA hand deformities participated in the study. They were randomly divided into two groups as follows: Group 1 ( n  = 13) had women participating in the exercise programme aimed at improving handgrip (HS) and pinch strengths (PS) as well as the motor coordination of the hand; Group 2 ( n  = 7) had women with RA who received no treatment for their hands (control). The treatment programme for hands consisted of 20 sessions, twice a week and at-home exercises. Both groups were submitted to Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and evaluation of HS and PS by means of dynamometry. Re-evaluations were performed after 10 and 20 sessions in Group 1 and after 2 months in Group 2. After 20 sessions of physiotherapy, Group 1 had a significant gain in HS and PS ( p  < 0.05) in addition to the improvement of functionality as assessed by HAQ ( p  = 0.016). For Group 2, no difference was found between the variables analysed ( p  > 0.05). The strengthening exercises for individuals with RA hand deformity are beneficial to improve handgrip and pinch strengths as well as functionality.

Hand exercises are often part of the treatment of hand rheumatoid arthritis; however, it is still unclear whether and what type of exercises is effective in the treatment of this condition. Therefore, a systematic review into the effectiveness of hand exercises in the treatment of hand rheumatoid arthritis has been performed. Studies were identified in the literature databases by predefined search criteria. The eight included studies are peer-reviewed studies published between 2000 and 2014. Hand exercises differed between studies, but always included resistance and/or active range of motion exercises. Grip strength in various grip types (power grip, key pinch, precision pinch and tripod pinch) was found to improve by hand exercise therapy without having adverse effects on pain or disease activity. Adaptations in the range of motion in response to hand exercise therapy were less pronounced. There appears to be some transfer from the improvements on the body functioning level to the level of daily functioning, with the largest improvements found on grip ability. With regard to the intervention content, there was some evidence in favour of a longer therapy duration and a higher therapy intensity. No conclusions could be drawn on the effectiveness of the different types of exercises. Collectively, the studies indicate that hand exercises may have positive effects on strength and some aspects of daily functioning without aggravating disease activity or pain, although caution should be taken for subjects in the exacerbation period.

Systematic review. Hand osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic and disabling disease causing pain and functional limitations in approximately 54%-67% of the adult population aged 55 years and older. The objective of the study is to evaluate the evidence supporting conservative therapeutic interventions for the treatment of OA finger joints. Eighteen studies dated between 1979 and 2016 were identified meeting the inclusion criteria. They were analyzed based on Structured Effectiveness for Quality Evaluation of a Study, level of evidence, and effect size. The current evidence varies in quality and effect sizes but generally supports the use of active range of motion and resistive exercises, joint protection, electromagnetic therapy, paraffin wax, and balneotherapy (combined and/or not combined with mud packs and magnetotherapy), and distal interphalangeal orthoses as effective treatment interventions for individuals with OA finger joints. •The current evidence generally supports the use of active range of motion, some resistive exercises, and joint protection as interventions for individuals with osteoarthritis (OA) finger joints.•The current evidence generally supports modalities such as electromagnetic therapy, paraffin wax, and balneotherapy (combined and/or not combined with mud packs and magnetotherapy) as effective interventions for individuals with OA finger joints.•The current evidence generally supports distal interphalangeal joint orthoses as effective treatment interventions for individuals with OA finger joints.