The effects of wand exercise training on physical function, grip strength and pain in persons with rheumatoid arthritis

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a wand exercise training on physical function, grip strength and severity of pain in persons with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), comparing between pre-and post-exercise training. Forty-five persons with RA in remission, low or moderate severity level (29 females and 16 males, mean age 57.3±9.0 years) participated in a wand exercise training program of 20 minutes per session, 3 days a week for 6 weeks. The variables determined were physical function, grip strength and severity of pain which were assessed by the Health Assessment Questionnaire in Thai version (Thai HAQ), sphygmomanometer and visual analog scale (VAS), respectively. Data were analyzed by using paired t-tests. After the 6-week wand exercise training, the results showed significant improvements in physical function, grip strength and severity of pain ( p <0.001). In conclusion, when compared with the pre-exercise period, the wand exercise training could improve physical function as well as grip strength and decrease pain in persons with RA. Future studies with a randomized controlled trial and longitudinal design are suggested to clearly reveal further benefits of wand exercise training in persons with RA.