Use of commercially produced elastic wrist orthoses in chronic arthritis: a controlled study.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the efficacy of wrist orthoses on pain, motion, and function of the wrist.


METHODS
Consecutive patients were randomized to a treatment group using wrist orthoses or to a control group using no wrist orthoses, in a prospective, controlled, 6-month study.


RESULTS
Changes in wrist joint variables and general disease activity variables were not statistically different between the orthosis group (n = 36) and the control group (n = 33). Patients in the orthosis group had 25% and 12% improvements in grip strength and pinch grip and 50% reduction in pain while using the wrist orthosis.


CONCLUSIONS
Use of wrist orthoses improves function and reduces pain, but has no effects after 6 months, compared to a control group, on measures of local or general disease activity.
Kjeken
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D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001168:Arthritis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009989:Orthotic Devices; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D014953:Wrist