The effect of a long-term exercise programme on the rheumatoid hand.

Forty-four female patients with sero-positive active RA participated in a 48-month trial to assess the effect of simple hand exercises. Twenty-two patients in the test group were given a daily exercise regime of six exercises. The control group were not given any exercises. At the end of 48 months there was a statistically significant improvement in grip strength (P < 0.0001) and pincer grip strength (P < 0.0005) in the test group. There was a significant deterioration in the control group (P < 0.0000). A simple exercise programme is beneficial for the rheumatoid hand as far as grip and pincer grip strength are concerned.