The effects of an 8-week knitting program on osteoarthritis symptoms in elderly women: A pilot randomized controlled trial

Background Exercise therapy is effective in reducing symptoms and disability associated with hand osteoarthritis (HOA) but often has low adherence. An intervention consisting a meaningful occupation, such as knitting, may improve adherence to treatment. This pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) studied the clinical effectiveness of knitting program older females suffering from HOA evaluate acceptability this assess feasibility larger-scale RCT. Methods Single-blind, two-arm RCT parallel group design 37 participants (18 control, 19 intervention). Control were given an educational pamphlet assigned waiting list. The (8-week duration) had two components: bi-weekly 20-min sessions daily home session on 5 remaining weekdays. Measures included (implementation outcomes) well stiffness, pain, functional status, physical activity level, patient's global impression change, health-related quality life, self-efficacy, grip strength (clinical outcomes measured throughout 8-week 4 weeks after Results Our protocol feasible was acceptable enjoyable for participants, who showed high No difference observed between groups any outcome measures (all p > .05). Conclusion Knitting safe accessible women HOA. However, our did not result improvements measures. longer period and/or higher frequency yield better outcomes.