Effectiveness of proprioception training in functional recovery of thumb osteoarthritis. Single, multicenter, non-blind randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Osteoarthritis at the base of the thumb (CMC‐1 OA) is a pathology that mainly affects postmenopausal women. The main symptoms including pain, decreased hand‐thumb strength and fine motor capacity. Although a proprioceptive deficit has already been demonstrated in people with CMC‐1 OA, there is insufficient evidence regarding the effects of proprioceptive training. The main objective of this study is to determine the effectiveness of proprioceptive training in functional recovery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 57 patients were included in the study, 29 in the control group and 28 in the experimental group. Both groups underwent the same basic intervention programme, but the experimental group included a proprioceptive training protocol. Variables of the study were pain (VAS), perception of occupational performance (COMP), sense position (SP) and force sensation (FS). RESULTS: Statistically significant improvement was observed in the experimental group in pain (p < .05) and occupational performance (p < .001) after 3 months of treatment. No statistical differences were found in sense position (SP) or sensation of force (FS). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: The results concord with previous studies focussing on proprioception training. The incorporation of a proprioceptive exercise protocol reduces pain and significantly improves occupational performance.