Compression gloves in hand osteoarthritis

Published Date: 19th July 2016

Publication Authors: Hough Y

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Background/Purpose

Compression gloves are used in Hand Osteoarthritis (HOA) to reduce pain (day and/or night), stiffness and improve hand function. A systematic review identified only two trials (sample sizes n= 2 and 5), with inconclusive results [1]. The commonest compression gloves provided in the UK are Isotoner gloves. The aim was to evaluate effects of compression gloves on hand pain, stiffness and function.

Methods

A pre-post-test trial was conducted. Participants were recruited from 10 Rheumatology Occupational Therapy (OT) departments; had a doctor diagnosis of HOA and no steroid injections or new/changed medication within the previous 4 weeks. Assessments at 0 and 4 weeks included: hand pain on activity and at night, hand stiffness (all 0-10 numeric rating scales: none to very severe); Measure of Activity Performance of the Hand [MAP-HAND, 2]; Grip Ability Test [GAT, 3]; and composite finger flexion to distal wrist crease (CFF). OT assessors were trained in standardised hand assessment procedures. Assessor inter-rater reliability (ICC,10) was good: CFF (0.76-0.93); GAT (0.98) [4]. All participants received Isotoner 3/4 finger gloves. Data were analysed using paired t-tests and effect sizes calculated using eta-squared (values of 0.14+ = large effect, 5).

Results

30 people with HOA participated: 28 women, 2 men); average age = 61.23(SD 8.35) years; time since diagnosis 4.71(SD 6.47)years.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates, for the first time, that compression gloves used by people with HOA led to significant improvements in: pain during the day and night, stiffness, hand function and finger motion, with moderate to large effect sizes. A limitation was the lack of a control group meaning we cannot be certain benefits were due to compression gloves. A randomised controlled trial needs to be conducted, including longer follow-up.

Hammond, A; Prior, Y; Jones, V; Dooley, M; Hough, Y; Jacklin, A. (2014).  The effect of compression gloves in hand osteoarthritis: A pre-post-test trial . Arthritis and Rheumatology. 66 (S10), S436

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