Effects of a 10-week strength training programme on hand function of patients with hand osteoarthritis

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a 10-week strength training (ST) programme on hand function of patients with hand osteoarthritis (OA). The findings of this study would help clinicians/clinical staff to take ST into consideration in the management of patients with hand OA thereby enhancing clinical outcome. This study was a pre-test, post-test control group design. A total of 30 patients with hand OA participated in the study. Handgrip and pinch strength were measured using electronic hand dynamometer (in kg) and mechanical pinch gauge (in kg) respectively prior to and following a 10-week ST programme. The amount of handgrip and pinch strength of both hands generated by each participant was used as a quantitative measurement of the development of hand function. Data generated were analyzed using inferential statistics of one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the statistical significance was accepted for p value of <0.05. The findings of the study showed that the ST programme had significant effects on hand function of patients with hand OA. It was concluded that the ST programme can substantially enhance hand function of patients with hand OA. Therefore, the ST programme should be considered as a key element in the management of patients with hand OA.