The Lancet — Lamb SE, et al. | October 14, 2014
Disease–modifying biological agents and other drug regimens have substantially improved control of disease activity and joint damage in people with rheumatoid arthritis of the hand. However, commensurate changes in function and quality of life are not always noted. Tailored hand exercises might provide additional improvements, but evidence is lacking. Authors estimated the effectiveness and cost–effectiveness of tailored hand exercises in addition to usual care during 12 months. They have shown that a tailored hand exercise programme is a worthwhile, low–cost intervention to provide as an adjunct to various drug regimens. Maximisation of the benefits of biological and DMARD regimens in terms of function, disability, and health–related quality of life should be an important treatment aim.