Factors associated with rheumatoid arthritis patients’ compliance with home exercises and splint use

The levels of compliance with home exercise programmes and night splints was examined in a group of 28 patients diagnosed as having rheumatoid arthritis. Of these, 53% reported compliant behaviour with home programmes, and 35% of the 14 patients given hand night splints reported compliant behaviour. With the exception of benefits of exercises as perceived by the patients, none of the independent variables included were found to be associated with compliance with home programmes and the use of splints. Suggestions about ways of improving compliance with physiotherapeutic home programmes are discussed.