Testing Arthritis Gloves in Rheumatoid/ Inflammatory Arthritis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The effects of arthritis gloves on people with Rheumatoid Arthritis or Early Inflammatory Arthritis with hand pain: a multi-centre randomised controlled trial
IRAS ID
182915
Contact name
Alison Hammond
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University Of Salford
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 6 months, 0 days
Research summary
Arthritis gloves are provided in the NHS to people with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Inflammatory Arthritis (IA). Arthritis gloves provide pressure and/ or warmth to: relieve (night and/or day) hand pain and stiffness; and improve ability to use the hands in everyday activities and at work. Over 25 years ago, a few small studies testing arthritis gloves’ effects found they reduced finger swelling a little at night, but other effects were unclear. There are no good quality trials proving arthritis gloves are effective.
We conducted a survey of 60 Rheumatology occupational therapists, identifying 80% provide arthritis gloves to people with RA and IA, but therapists’ practice varies widely, as 5 - 95% of their RA/IA caseloads with hand pain receive them. We completed a small feasibility study, which indicated arthritis gloves may help reduce pain and participants thought they gave “comfort and support.” However, the study was small and not designed to answer if gloves are effective.
This randomised controlled trial will recruit 176 people with RA or IA from rheumatology clinics, with hand pain affecting doing their daily activities and/ or sleep. After consent, participants will complete a questionnaire about hand symptoms and function. Within 3 weeks, participants will receive one of the two types of arthritis gloves being tested from an occupational therapist. One applies pressure and warmth and the other warmth. Therapists give the same instructions about wearing gloves and advice on managing hand symptoms. At 3 month follow-up participants complete the questionnaire again. We will test if there are any differences between the two types of gloves’ effects on hand pain, stiffness and using hands in everyday activities and work. The results will help NHS therapists and patients to decide if arthritis gloves are worth providing or buying.
REC name
North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee 2
REC reference
15/NS/0077
Date of REC Opinion
5 Aug 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion