The Effects of Technology-Based Rehabilitation in Rheumatic Diseases with Hand Involvement: A Single Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

<b><i>Objective:</i></b> The aim of this study was to examine the effect of technology-based rehabilitation on grip strength, functionality, and disease activity in rheumatic diseases with hand involvement, and to compare these effects with the effects of conventional hand rehabilitation and with a control group that continued routine life. <b><i>Materials and Methods:</i></b> The study included 45 patients, with a mean age of 52.24 ± 10.03 years, who were diagnosed with rheumatic disease involving the hand. The patients were randomized to an intervention group (<i>n</i> = 15), conventional group (<i>n</i> = 15), and control group (<i>n</i> = 15). A virtual reality (VR) application with a leap motion controller (LMC) device was applied to the intervention group and stretching and strengthening exercises were applied to the conventional exercise group twice a week for 8 weeks. Evaluations were made using the Disease Activity Score-28, dynamometer, pinch meter, Michigan hand outcome test, Duruöz Hand Index, Jebsen hand function test, and 9-hole peg test. <b><i>Results:</i></b> A significant difference was determined in favor of the LMC group in terms of the Jebsen Hand Function test, 9-hole peg test and grip strength after the intervention (<i>P</i> < 0.05). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> For patients with rheumatic diseases with hand involvement, VR rehabilitation via LMC under the guidance of a physiotherapist has positive effects on the patients' grip strength and hand functions. Developing approaches that will maintain patients' motivation for exercise during the treatment process may help increase and maintain these effects.