Naughton N, Algar L. Incorporation of occupational based intervention into joint protection education for individuals with thumb carpometacarpal osteoarthritis: A case series.
J Hand Ther 2022;
35:332-338. [PMID:
36045015 DOI:
10.1016/j.jht.2022.07.011]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND
To our knowledge, the use of occupational performance in education on joint protection techniques has not been studied for individuals with thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) osteoarthritis.
PURPOSE
This case series was designed to investigate if occupation-based instruction inside the clinic was useful and found satisfactory as an educational tool for individuals with thumb CMC joint arthritis.
METHODS
Three participants with thumb CMC joint osteoarthritis performed washing, rinsing, and drying a dish, moving a pot and pan, maneuvering a laundry basket, and pouring from a pitcher during joint protection education in the therapy clinic with a skilled hand therapist in addition to routine treatment. Satisfaction with this intervention was assessed via a 3-question satisfaction survey. Pain with activity and function via the Thumb Disability Examination were assessed at baseline and a 4week follow up.
RESULTS
Patients in this study expressed satisfaction with the inclusion of the performance of occupations in their joint protection education in the clinic. Pain with activity improved by an average of 1.7/10 on a 10-point Numeric Pain Rating Scale and function improved by an average of 10.04 on the Thumb Disability Examination.
CONCLUSIONS
Although no causal relationships can be assumed in this study, hand therapists should consider adding occupation-based intervention as a component of patient education on joint protection for individuals with thumb CMC joint osteoarthritis.
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