Keywords
Rheumatoid arthritis
Nursing
Scoping review
Rehabilitation nursing
Submitted : 2026-04-18
Accepted : 2026-05-03
Published : 2026-05-18
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to systematically review and synthesize the current research status, core components of intervention protocols, and outcome measures of hand function exercises in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, in order to provide references for healthcare professionals in developing and implementing related interventions. Methods: Following the scoping review framework, a systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), VIP Database, WanFang Database, and China Biomedical Literature Database (CBM). The search period ranged from 1 August 2015 to 1 August 2025. The identified studies were screened and synthesized according to the inclusion criteria. Results: A total of 10 studies were included. The intervention content of hand function exercises comprised joint range-of-motion training, resistance training, and functional training for daily activities, among which joint range-of-motion training and resistance training were the most commonly used. The intervention delivery modes included offline interventions, online interventions, and hybrid interventions. Outcome measures involved three domains: clinical indicators, clinical efficacy, and hand function assessment tools. Conclusion: This scoping review analyzed the existing literature and found that hand function exercises can effectively improve hand symptoms and functional outcomes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, with 12 weeks being a typical intervention duration. However, evidence remains limited regarding exercise duration and patient-reported outcomes. Therefore, further studies are needed to explore their effects on patient-reported outcomes and to consider patients’ exercise-related needs and goals.
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