Effects of Task-Oriented Training and Mulligan Mobilization on Hand Function, Pain and Quality of Life in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Effects of Task-Oriented Training and Mulligan Mobilization on Hand Function, Pain and Quality of Life in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Randomized Controlled Study

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic and progressive inflammatory disease that frequently affects the hand joints. Over time, this disease leads to joint deformities, pain, decreased muscle strength and severe impairment in hand function. Functions such as independence in activities of daily living, hand skills and grip strength may be significantly limited in individuals with RA. Although hand rehabilitation is an important component of RA management, there is still a need for research on effective intervention strategies.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic and progressive inflammatory disease that frequently affects the hand joints. Over time, this disease leads to joint deformities, pain, decreased muscle strength and severe impairment in hand function. Functions such as independence in activities of daily living, hand skills and grip strength may be significantly limited in individuals with RA. Although hand rehabilitation is an important component of RA management, there is still a need for research on effective intervention strategies.

Conventional exercises are basic applications to maintain range of motion, muscle strength and endurance. However, these approaches may have limited effects on improving hand function. In recent years, methods such as task-oriented training and Mulligan mobilisation have gained attention for their potential to improve neuromotor control, hand dexterity and pain. Task-oriented training promotes motor learning through functional tasks, while Mulligan mobilisation aims to increase mobility through pain-free passive-joint mobilisation techniques. The effects of these two methods, separately or in combination, on hand function, pain level and quality of life in individuals with RA have not been adequately investigated.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of task-focused training and Mulligan mobilisation on hand function, grip strength, dexterity, pain, activities of daily living and quality of life in individuals with RA.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Followed for at least one year for the diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis, aged between 30 and 65,
• Have the cognitive capacity to understand and follow the instructions given,
• Has not undergone upper extremity surgery for orthopaedic, neurological or other reasons
• Participants with functional capacity class I-II

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severe pain as assessed by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) (VAS >7),
• Declaring the intention to withdraw from the study without giving any reason,
• Having a major psychiatric disorder such as schizophrenia or major depression,
• Having cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease, history of myocardial infarction, angina, stroke, uncontrolled hypertension, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)