The use of upper limb orthoses in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a literature review in the field of occupational therapy

Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic systemic disease that most often affects smaller joints such as hands and wrists. It may cause deformities that jeopardize hand function, thus impacting the subject occupational performance. In order to assist the hand function restoration, occupational therapists often use orthosis to improve autonomy and/or independence to perform daily activities in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Objective: This study aimed to identify the upper limb’s orthoses used in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, who were assisted by the Occupational Therapy, featuring the population, the type of research and the outcomes obtained. Method: This study is literature review and its selection criteria consists of publications in English, Spanish and Portuguese published within the last ten years, divided between experimental, observational and case studies, all with diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis and assisted by an occupational therapist. Twelve articles were selected for review. Findings: The literature review points out the benefits achieved through the use of the orthosis to manual dexterity, grip strength, pain relief and aspects related to comfort and patient satisfaction. Conclusion: In this context, the orthosis appears as an important assistive technology resource to keep function and restore compromised activities