The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of a hand exercise intervention on function and osteoarthritis symptoms in persons with hand osteoarthritis .

Hand osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most prevalent musculoskeletal diseases in an adult population. The disease may have large influences on an individual's function, health related quality of life and participation in the society. In recently published clinical guidelines for management, non-pharmacological approaches are considered as core treatments.

Several studies have demonstrated that exercise may reduce pain and improve function in persons with knee OA, and a similar effect is suggested for hip OA. Regarding effect of exercises in hand OA, available research results are limited, and randomised controlled trials (RCT) of good quality are needed.

Inclusion Criteria:

• The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria for clinical hand osteoarthritis
• FIHOA ≥ 5 at pre-baseline
• The persons must have a telephone

Exclusion Criteria:

• Persons with cognitive dysfunction
• Persons who do not understand Norwegian language
• Persons with inflammatory rheumatic diseases (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis) or cancer
• Persons that have recently experienced severe trauma
• Persons that have recently gone through OA surgery or other major surgery