• Emine Irem Sahin, Sebahat Yaprak Cetin, and Ayse Ayan.
• Akdeniz University, Institue of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation - Antalya, Turkey.
• Rev Assoc Med Bras (1992). 2023 Jan 1; 69 (9): e20230252e20230252.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the effects of upper extremity home exercises on grip strength, range of motion, activity performance, and functionality in individuals with systemic sclerosis and to compare with patient education.MethodsA total of 46 individuals with systemic sclerosis (55.52±11.54 years) were included. Individuals were randomly assigned into intervention (n=23) and control (n=23) groups. Dynamometer, goniometer, Canadian Occupational Performance Measurement, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand, Score for Assessment and Quantification of Chronic Rheumatic Affections of the Hands, and Duruoz Hand Index were used for evaluation.ResultsPost-treatment, in terms of delta (Δ) values, hand grip and pinch strengths (p: 0.000-0.016), active (p: 0.000-0.032) and passive (p: 0.000-0.043) total range of motions, Canadian Occupational Performance Measurement performance and satisfaction, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, Score for Assessment and Quantification of Chronic Rheumatic Affections of the Hands, and Duruoz Hand Index (p: 0.000) were in favor of the intervention group.ConclusionUpper extremity home exercises increase grip strength, range of motion, activity performance, and functionality in patients with systemic sclerosis. We recommend that rehabilitation programs include not only hand exercises but also upper extremity exercises.

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