The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of GEAP on pain, joint function, activities of daily living(ADL) and fatigue in chronic arthritis patients.
The GEAP was held twice a week for 6 weeks for chronic arthritis patients at one university hospital in Seoul. Korea. Thirty four subjects completed the program, who were recruited at four times from September. 1999 to September, 2000. The effect of GEAP were evaluated as follows:
Pain severity and number of painful joints ADL, fatigue were measured before and after the GEAP. In order to examine the joint flexibility and strengthening, the followings were measured: the extent of the upward arm reach in both sides (flexibility of shoulder), the ability to touch fingertips of the both hands in back pat and rub(flexibility of arm), the degree of range of motion (ROM) of both ankles in their dorsiflexion(flexibility of ankle) and plantarflexion with standing with toe(strengthening of ankle), and the degree of knee extension, and the grip strength.
Paired t-test and Wilcoxon signed rank test were used for data analysis and the significance of the differences in the variables was examined to compare the data obtained before and after the GEAP.
After the GEAP, followings were found:
1. Pain severity and number of painful joints was significantly decreased.
2. The flexibility of both shoulders and arms, knee, both ankle were significantly improved.
3. The strengthening of both arms was significantly improved, but thestrengthening of ankle was not changed.
4. ADL was significantly increased.
5. Fatigue was significantly decreased.
In conclusion. GEAP used in this study was clearly proved to be an effective exercise program to reduce pain and fatigue, to enhance joint function and ADL in peolpe with chronic arthritis. It is suggested that the GEAP should be recommended as one of the useful -end appropriate nursing interventions . for chronic arthritis patients.
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