The Effects of Cryotherapy on Pain, Quality of Life and Shoulder Joint Function in Rheumatoid Arthritis
| Author | Affiliation |
|---|---|
Bitinas, Daumantas | |
| Date |
|---|
2022-06-09 |
no. PP 13
Poster Presentations
CC-BY-NC 4.0
Introduction: Joint diseases are becoming more common according to the Institute of Hygiene in Lithuania. Therefore, every year people are becoming more afflicted by rheumatoid arthritis. One of the methods that can help lessen the pain of damaged joints, increase functional activity and improve quality of life is cryotherapy. Research aim: To determine the effects of cryotherapy on pain, quality of life, and shoulder joint function in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. Research methods: 20 subjects with rheumatoid arthritis were included in this study. Two groups were formed: the control group (n=10), where only physiotherapy was applied, and the research group (n=10), where both physiotherapy and cryotherapy were applied. At the start and at the end of the study both groups were evaluated using health related quality of life questionnaire (SF-36), VAS scale, shoulder range of motion, muscle strength, and pain threshold using the algometer. Results: Pain scale (VAS) in both groups at the start had similar score (around 5-6 points). There was a statistical reduction of pain in both groups (p< 0,05) at the end of the study. Comparing the shoulder joints of both hands at the beginning and at the end of the study there were statistically significant improvement in the range of motion (flexion, extension and abduction), pain threshold and quality of life in both groups (p< 0,05). Although, comparing the results between groups, statistically significant improvement was found regarding the quality of life in the research group, where cryotherapy was applied (p< 0,05). Conclusion: In both groups before and after physical therapy and cryotherapy, the results showed a reduction in pain (VAS), an increase in pain threshold, an improvement in shoulder flexion, extension and abduction, an increase in hand muscle strength and quality of life. However, quality of life was statistically more significant in the group where cryotherapy was applied.