title: Effectiveness of sensorimotor training in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized controlled trial.
abstract: 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>)], 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 < .01), TU> (P < .01), BBS (P < .01), Tinetti Test (P < .01) and improvement in the subscales of SF-36 (P < .01) in the sensorimotor group in comparison with the baseline evaluation and control group. No significant difference was found related to the pre- and post-evaluation in the control group. Therefore, the sensorimotor training is effective in the improvement of the functional capacity and quality of life of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
authors: Division of Emergency Medicine and Evidence-Based Medicine, Federal University of Sao Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil. kelson_fisio@hotmail.com
authors: Kelson Nonato Gomes
authors: KN
authors: da Silva
authors: Lucas Emmanuel Pedro de Paiva
authors: LE
authors: Teixeira
authors: Aline Mizusaki
authors: AM
authors: Imoto
authors: Alvaro Nagib
authors: AN
authors: Atallah
authors: Maria Stella
authors: MS
authors: Peccin
authors: Virginia Fernandes Moça
authors: VF
authors: Trevisani
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D004856:Postural Balance; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life