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A novel approach utilizing laser acupuncture teletherapy for management of elderly-onset rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized clinical trial.
Adly, Aya Sedky; Adly, Afnan Sedky; Adly, Mahmoud Sedky; Ali, Mohammad F.
  • Adly AS; Faculty of Computers and Artificial Intelligence, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt.
  • Adly AS; Faculty of Engineering and Technology, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Cairo, Egypt.
  • Adly MS; Faculty of Physical Therapy, Cardiovascular-Respiratory Disorders and Geriatrics, Laser Applications in Physical Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
  • Ali MF; Faculty of Physical Therapy, Internal Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt.
J Telemed Telecare ; 27(5): 298-306, 2021 Jun.
Article in English | MEDLINE | ID: covidwho-1221689
ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION:

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) disease is a systemic progressive inflammatory autoimmune disorder. Elderly-onset RA can be assumed as a benign form of RA. Until recently, face-to-face therapeutic sessions between health professionals and patients are usually the method of its treatment. However, during pandemics, including coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), teletherapeutic sessions can extensively increase the patient safety especially in elderly patients who are more vulnerable to these infections. Thus, the aim of this randomized clinical trial was to evaluate a novel teletherapy approach for management of elderly patients suffering from RA by utilizing laser acupuncture.

METHODS:

A teletherapy system was used for management of elderly patients suffering from RA. Sixty participants were allocated randomly into two groups and the ratio was 11. Patients in the first group were treated with laser acupuncture and telerehabilitation sessions, which consisted of aerobic exercise and virtual reality training. Patients in the second group received telerehabilitation sessions, which consisted of aerobic exercise and virtual reality training. Evaluation of patients was done by using the Health Assessment questionnaire (HAQ), the Rheumatoid Arthritis Quality of Life (RAQoL) questionnaire, and the analysis of interleukin-6 (IL-6), serum C-reactive protein (CRP), plasma adenosine triphosphate (ATP) concentration and plasma malondialdehyde (MDA).

RESULTS:

A statistically significant difference was found in CRP, RAQoL, IL-6 and MDA between the pre- and post-treatments in the first group (p < 0.05) favouring the post-treatment group, while the HAQ showed a statistically significant difference between pre- and post-treatments (p < 0.05) in both groups. Statistically significant post-treatment differences were also observed between the two groups (p < 0.05) in RAQoL, CRP, ATP and MDA, favouring the first group.

DISCUSSION:

Laser acupuncture teletherapy could be suggested as a reliable treatment method for elderly patients suffering from RA, as it can provide a safe and effective therapeutic approach. Teletherapy provided safer access to health professionals and patients while giving a high patient satisfaction value with a relatively lower cost (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT04684693).
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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Acupuncture Therapy / COVID-19 Type of study: Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study / Qualitative research / Randomized controlled trials Topics: Traditional medicine Limits: Aged / Humans Language: English Journal: J Telemed Telecare Journal subject: Medical Informatics / Health Services Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: 1357633X211009861

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Full text: Available Collection: International databases Database: MEDLINE Main subject: Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Acupuncture Therapy / COVID-19 Type of study: Experimental Studies / Observational study / Prognostic study / Qualitative research / Randomized controlled trials Topics: Traditional medicine Limits: Aged / Humans Language: English Journal: J Telemed Telecare Journal subject: Medical Informatics / Health Services Year: 2021 Document Type: Article Affiliation country: 1357633X211009861