Effect of ceramic-impregnated "thermoflow" gloves on patients with Raynaud's syndrome: randomized, placebo-controlled study.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the efficacy of ceramic impregnated gloves in the treatment of Raynaud's syndrome.


METHODS
Double-blind, placebo-controlled study.


METHODS
Teaching hospital outpatient clinic.


METHODS
Ninety-three patients meeting the "Pal" criteria for Raynaud's syndrome.


METHODS
Treatment period of three months with use of ceramic-impregnated gloves.


METHODS
Primary end points: Pain visual analogue scale ratings and diary; Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, Hand questionnaire; Jamar grip strength; Purdue board test of hand dexterity. Secondary end points: Infrared skin temperature measurements; seven-point Likert scale rating of treatment.


RESULTS
In 60 participants with complete data, improvements were noted in the visual analogue scale rating (p=0.001), DASH score (p=0.001), Jamar grip strength (p=0.002), infrared skin fingertip temperature (p=0.003), Purdue hand dexterity test (p=0.0001) and the Likert scale (p=0.001) with ceramic gloves over the placebo cotton gloves.


CONCLUSIONS
The ceramic-impregnated "thermoflow" gloves have a clinically important effect in Raynaud's syndrome.
Alternative Medicine Research, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Sunnybrook and Women's College Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada. gordon.ko@swchsc.on.ca
Gordon D
GD
Ko
David
D
Berbrayer
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D002516:Ceramics; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D017575:Gloves, Protective; D006784:Hospitals, Teaching; D006358:Hot Temperature / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000209:etiology; D059408:Pain Management; D010147:Pain Measurement; D011928:Raynaud Disease / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome