Thermotherapy for treating rheumatoid arthritis.

摘要: BACKGROUND Thermotherapy is often used as adjunct in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by rehabilitation specialists. OBJECTIVES To evaluate effectiveness different thermotherapy applications on objective and subjective measures disease activity patients with RA. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched Medline, EMBASE, Pedro, Current Contents, Sports Discus CINAHL up to including September 2001. The Cochrane Field Rehabilitation related therapies Musculoskeletal Review Group were also contacted for a search their specialized registers. Hand searching was conducted all retrieved articles additional articles. SELECTION CRITERIA Comparative controlled studies, such randomized trials, clinical cohort studies or case/control compared control active interventions RA eligible. No language restrictions applied. Abstracts accepted. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two independent reviewers identified potential from literature (VR, LB). These extracted data using pre-defined extraction forms. Consensus reached extraction. Quality assessed two 5 point scale that measured quality randomization, double-blinding description withdrawals. MAIN RESULTS Seven (n=328 subjects) met inclusion criteria. results this systematic review found there no significant effect hot ice packs (Ivey 1994), cryotherapy (Rembe 1970) faradic baths (Hawkes 1986) joint swelling, pain, medication intake, range motion (ROM), grip strength, hand function (no treatment) therapy. There difference between wax therapeutic ultrasound well bath combined outcomes after 1, 2 3 week(s) 1986). patient preference types thermotherapy. harmful effects reported. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS Superficial moist heat can be palliative Paraffin exercises recommended beneficial short term arthritic hands. conclusions are limited methodological considerations poor trials.