Effectiveness of sensorimotor training in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized controlled trial

• Published in: Rheumatology international 2013-09, Vol.33 (9), p.2269-2275
• Main Authors: da Silva, Kelson Nonato Gomes, Teixeira, Lucas Emmanuel Pedro de Paiva, Imoto, Aline Mizusaki, Atallah, Álvaro Nagib, Peccin, Maria Stella, Trevisani, Virginia Fernandes Moça
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; Arthritis, Rheumatoid - physiopathology; Arthritis, Rheumatoid - psychology; Arthritis, Rheumatoid - therapy; Double-Blind Method; Female; Humans; Male; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Middle Aged; Original Article; Physical Therapy Modalities; Postural Balance; Prospective Studies; Quality of Life; Rheumatology
• ISSN: 0172-8172; 1437-160X
• DOI: 10.1007/s00296-013-2706-3

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a sensorimotor training in patients with rheumatoid arthritis on the improvement of functional skills and quality of life, a double-blinded, prospective, randomized controlled trial. One hundred two participants with rheumatoid arthritis were selected. After the baseline evaluation, the participants were randomized to two different groups: sensorimotor group (2 sessions per week, 30–50 min each session, besides continuing taking the same drugs as the control group) and control group (control group was only submitted to the clinical drug treatment with Methotrexate, Leflunomide and/or Prednisone (5 mg), being then evaluated 4 months later). Functional capacity [Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) and Timed Up & Go Test (TU&GT)], Balance and Gait (Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Tinetti Test) and Quality of Life (Short Form Health Survey—SF-36). The study had been concluded with ninety-one participants, and a statistically significant improvement was found in all variables assessed: HAQ ( P