Objective evaluation of hand function in scleroderman patients to assess effectiveness of physical therapy

Linda J. Askew, Victoria L. Backett, Kai Nan An, Edmund Y.S. Chao

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

24 Scopus citations

Abstract

Summary: A system was developed to evaluate the hand function of patients with scleroderma objectively in terms of joint contracture, range of movement, dexterity, strength, and skin compliance. Twelve patients with progressive systemic sclerosis were evaluated using this technique to determine the effectiveness of classic physical therapy methods. A statistically significant improvement in hand function was found after a single physical therapy treatment. This conservative mode of treatment may contribute to improved hand function in patients with scleroderma.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)224-232
Number of pages9
JournalRheumatology
Volume22
Issue number4
DOIs
StatePublished - 1983

Keywords

  • Hand function
  • Physical therapy
  • Scleroderma

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Rheumatology
  • Pharmacology (medical)

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