ABSTRACT
Background: Scleroderma (SSc) is an autoimmune connective tissue disease progressing with fbrosis. SSc patients need to be protected from epidemic diseases as well as rehabilitation needs. For this reason, it is important for them to continue their exercises in an environment where they can be both rehabilitated and protected from infectious diseases. Objectives: In this study, it was aimed to reveal the effects of exercises performed by telerehabilitation on individuals with Scleroderma with hand involvement and to compare the effects of real-time telerehabilitation (RTT) and asynchronous telerehabilitation (AT). Methods: Forty-two participants with a mean age of 44.17±11.05 years were included in the study. The patients were divided into three groups and followed for 8 weeks. RTT was applied to the 1st group and AT was applied to the 2nd group, and the 3rd group was the control group. Participants' fnger and wrist joint range of motion (ROM) were evaluated with a goniometer, upper extremity functions were evaluated with Scleroderma Hand Mobility Test (HAMIS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and 9Hole Peg Test (9HPT), grip strength was evaluated with a dynamometer, superfcial sense of touch was evaluated with the Semmes Weinstein Monoflament test, activities of daily living (ADL) were evaluated with the Michigan Hand Outcomes Questionnaire (MHQ), and general health status was evaluated with the Scleroderma Health Assessment Questionnaire (SHAQ). Results: There were improvements in fnger and wrist ROM, upper extremity functions and ADL parameters in the RTT group;and there were improvement in fnger ROM and hand functions in the AT group (p<0.05). Wrist radial deviation ROM decreased in the control group (p<0.05). Signifcant differences were noted between the groups in fnger ROM and upper extremity functions after treatment (p<0.05). Conclusion: Our study shows that exercises performed via RTT and AT are effective in individuals with Scleroderma with hand involvement, and RTT has additional benefts.