Abstract | BACKGROUND: OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the effect of therapeutic neural mobilization (NM) exercises targeting the nervous system on disease impact in RA patients. METHODS: A total of 21 RA patients were randomized into NM (n = 11) and control (n = 10) groups. NM group patients performed NM exercises targeting the median, musculocutaneous, femoral, and saphenous nerve, as well as the entire nervous system twice daily for 4-8 weeks. Control RA patients performed gentle joint mobilization exercises targeting the same joints. Primary outcome was the change in pre-/post-treatment score in the validated Rheumatoid Arthritis Impact of Disease (RAID). Secondary outcome was erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the groups at baseline. No adverse events were observed and compliance was over 90%. Post-treatment, favorable changes were observed in the NM group RAID score: -5.1 vs. -0.8; weighted RAID score: -0.79 vs. -0.15. ESR was reduced in the NM group, albeit non-significantly. Regarding the RAID score domains, the NM group demonstrated significant improvements in pain and coping. CONCLUSION: The current data indicate a beneficial effect of NM exercises on pain and self-efficacy in our RA patients. Larger clinical studies are warranted to determine the clinical effectiveness of NM as a treatment for pain for RA patients and simultaneously address immune and neuropeptide modulation through NM.
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Authors | Yan Nok Lau, Joseph Ng, Shan Yee Lee, Lam Chin Li, Cheuk Man Kwan, Sin Ming Fan, Bernard Pui Lam Leung, Chi Ngai Lo |
Journal | Zeitschrift fur Rheumatologie
(Z Rheumatol)
Vol. 78
Issue 5
Pg. 474-478
(Jun 2019)
ISSN: 1435-1250 [Electronic] Germany |
Vernacular Title | Kurzbericht über eine klinische Studie zu Übungen der neuralen Mobilisation bei Gelenkschmerz im Rahmen der rheumatoiden Arthritis. |
PMID | 30112581
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)
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Topics |
- Arthralgia
(etiology, rehabilitation)
- Arthritis, Rheumatoid
(complications)
- Female
- Humans
- Middle Aged
- Nervous System
- Reproducibility of Results
- Sickness Impact Profile
- Synovitis
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