Objective: To perform a critical analysis of the current literature with respect to the effectiveness of physiotherapy as related to functional outcomes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Methodology: A literature review was performed and five electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, and Cochrane Library) were searched. Studies within the past 10 years (2014-2024) were included. A total of seven studies met the eligibility criteria wherein studies to be included were to be RCTs, quasiexperimental, or observational studies.
Results: It was found that physiotherapy interventions had great potential for impact on functional outcomes in RA patients. More specifically, exercise-based interventions, including personalized exercise programs, supervised exercise interventions, hand-exercise therapy, and combined progressive resistance and walking exercise programs improved disease activity, quality of life, physical function, and pain in RA patients. Physiotherapy interventions significantly improved functional outcomes.
Conclusion: This review provides evidence that physiotherapy interventions improve functional outcomes, disease activity, and quality of life in RA patients. Physiotherapeutic care needs to be considered an essential part in managing RA patients.
Key words: Rheumatoid arthritis, physiotherapy, functional outcomes, exercise interventions.
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