NCT07029113

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

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 54 (actual)
• Sponsor: Kirsehir Ahi Evran Universitesi · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 30 Years – 65 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

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.

Detailed description

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.

Conditions

• Rheumatic Arthritis

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Task-oriented trainig	In addition to MCP, PIP, DIP joint mobilisation and isometric exercises, the task-oriented training group will perform 30 repetitions of face washing, using a fork, drinking water with a glass, sitting and wearing a t-shirt exercises.
OTHER	Mulligan mobilization	In patients included in the Mulligan mobilisation group, the therapist will apply a dorsal shift from the distal radius to the carpal bones and the patient simultaneously extends the wrist. It is essential that the movement is painless; if any pain occurs during mobilisation, the direction or technique is re-evaluated. This application is performed in 8-10 repetitions and the frequency of the session is planned according to the patient's symptoms.
OTHER	Conventional treatment	Passive range of motion exercises, metacarpopalangeal, proximal interphalangeal and distal interphalangeal joint mobilisation and isometric exercises will be applied. Isometric exercises will be performed as 30 repetitions, while joint mobilisations will be performed by the therapist as moderate anteroposterior and mediolateral shifts.

Timeline

• Start date: 2025-07-01
• Primary completion: 2025-11-08
• Completion: 2025-11-08
• First posted: 2025-06-19
• Last updated: 2025-12-10

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)