title: Measurement of stiffness in the metacarpophalangeal joint: the effects of physiotherapy.
abstract: Five common modes of physiotherapy were applied to a group of normal subjects and to a group of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The metacarpophalangeal joint stiffness was measured before therapy and immediately afterwards and the results compared. The only statistically significant result was that short-wave diathermy and ultrasound both reduced the amount of energy dissipated in the joints of the patients. No significant changes occurred in the normal group.
mesh_terms: D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy*; D017679:Cryotherapy; D005260:Female; D005384:Finger Joint / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008662:Metacarpophalangeal Joint / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005082:Physical Exertion; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000379:methods*; D012780:Short-Wave Therapy; D014464:Ultrasonic Therapy; D014885:Waxes / Q000627:therapeutic use
chemical_list: D014885:Waxes