Abstract
Objective: To compare the effects of kinesiotherapy and hydrokinesiotherapy on palmar grip strength, pain and quality of life in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. Methods: Randomized clinical trial of 12 individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. G1 (n=05) performed 10 sessions of kinesiotherapy and G2 (n=07) performed 15 sessions of hydrokinesiotherapy. Results: G1 presented increased bilateral grip strength and improvement of domains pain and vitality of quality of life (p<0.05). G2 presented increase of the grip strength in the left hand, decrease of pain intensity and improvement of domain general health status of the quality of life (p<0.05). G2 was superior to G1 in relieving pain intensity (p<0.05). Conclusion: Kinesiotherapy improves palmar grip strength and quality of life, while hydrokinesiotherapy improves palmar grip strength, quality of life, and pain intensity in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. Hydrokinesitherapy produces better effects when compared to kinesiotherapy in relieving the pain of these individuals.