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NCT Number: NCT07761767

Self-Care Education for Joint Stiffness and Functional Ability in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that may cause joint stiffness, pain, reduced mobility, and impaired functional ability. Self-care education may help patients improve their knowledge and practices related to disease management, joint protection, physical activity, exercise, energy conservation, and symptom management.

This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a self-care educational program on joint stiffness and functional ability among patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Participants will be assigned to either a study group or a control group. The study group will receive the self-care educational program in addition to routine care, while the control group will receive routine care only. Joint stiffness and functional ability will be assessed before and after implementation of the educational program.

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Key information

Conditions

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Arthritis Arthritis, Rheumatoid Autoimmune Diseases Connective Tissue Diseases Immune System Diseases Joint Diseases Musculoskeletal Diseases Rheumatic Diseases Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases

Age range

20 year–65 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

About this study

Rheumatoid arthritis is associated with joint inflammation, stiffness, pain, reduced physical functioning, and limitations in activities of daily living. Appropriate self-care practices may contribute to improving patients' ability to manage symptoms and maintain functional independence.

The self-care educational program will provide patients with information and practical guidance regarding rheumatoid arthritis and its management. The program may include disease-related knowledge, medication adherence, joint protection techniques, exercise, energy conservation, activity modification, symptom management, and appropriate self-care practices.

Participants will be divided into two groups:

Study Group: Participants will receive the self-care educational program in addition to routine care.

Control Group: Participants will receive routine care only. Joint stiffness and functional ability will be assessed at baseline and after implementation of the educational program. The outcomes of the study group will be compared with those of the control group to determine the effectiveness of the program.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

The criteria for selection were: patients" age ranged between 20-65 years old; did not have any auditory, visual or psychological problems. Patients who are able to communicate and participate in the educational program.

Patients who agree to participate in the study.

Exclusion criteria

Patients with severe cognitive or communication impairment. Patients with other severe musculoskeletal conditions that may affect functional ability.

Patients who have participated in a similar self-care educational program recently.

Treatment and study plan

self care educational program for the study group

Behavioral

study group Participants will receive the self-care educational program in addition to usual care.

Routine care

Other

The control group will receive the routine care provided to patients with rheumatoid arthritis and will not receive the self-care educational program during the study period.

Primary outcomes

change in joint stiffness

Time frame: Baseline and 3 months after completion of the intervention.

Duration of morning joint stiffness will be assessed using a single-item patient-reported outcome measure. Participants will report the duration of their morning joint stiffness in minutes. Durations greater than 12 hours (720 minutes) will be recorded as 720 minutes. Higher values indicate a longer duration of morning joint stiffness.

Severity of morning joint stiffness will be assessed using a single-item patient-reported outcome measure. Participants will rate the overall severity of their morning joint stiffness on a numerical rating scale ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no joint stiffness and 10 indicates the worst possible joint stiffness. Higher scores indicate greater severity of joint stiffness.

Secondary outcomes

functional ability

Time frame: Baseline and 3 months after completion of the intervention.

Functional ability will be assessed using the Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index (HAQ-DI). The HAQ-DI assesses functional ability across eight areas: dressing and grooming, arising, eating, walking, hygiene, reach, grip, and activities. Each item is scored from 0 (without any difficulty) to 3 (unable to do). The overall score ranges from 0 to 3, with 0 indicating no disability and 3 indicating severe disability. Higher scores indicate worse functional ability and greater disability.

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

REZK A Mohammed, MSc

CONTACT

[email protected]

1122883312 20+

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Assiut University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effectiveness of a Self-Care Educational Program on Joint Stiffness and Functional Ability in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Important dates

Study start: 2026
Primary completion: 2027
Study completion: 2027
First posted: Aug 12, 2026
Registry last updated: Aug 13, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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