Table 1 Characteristics of included studies and intervention

Dziedzic et al. (2015) [27]

RGb = 65

CGb = 65

N = 104

66% F

66 (9.1) years old

RG (n = 55): supervision = 1 group session/week (for 4 weeks).

exercise = elastic bands fingers e/f, Play-Doh finger e/f (? % MVC), 0.5–0.75 kg wrist e/f

dosage = 3 reps/day, every day

progression = up to 10 reps/day

CG (n = 49): leaflet and advice (extensive information)

Grip strength (24 wks): NS AUSCAN pain (12 wks): NS AUSCAN function (12 wks): NS

Strength (p = ?) Pain (p = 0.6) Function (p = 0.5)

Hennig et al. (2015) [31]

RGb = 40

CGb = 40 N = 71

100% F

60.8 (7) years old

RG (n = 37): supervision = 1 individual session with 8 follow-up calls

exercise = elastic bands e/a thumb, rubber ball for grip strength (100% MVC)

dosage = 10 reps (weeks 1 and 2), 3 days/week

progression = 12 reps (weeks 3 and 4), 15 reps (weeks 5–12), 3 days/week

CG (n = 34): leaflet and advice (limited information)

Grip strength (12 wks): S NRS pain (12 wks): S FIHOA (12 wks): S

Strength (p = 0.4) Pain (p = ?) Function (p = ?)

Lefler and Armstrong (2004) [28]

RGb = ?

CGb = ? N = 19

90% F

81 (9) years old

RG (n = 9): supervised = every session (for 6 weeks); exercise = pinch grip lifting (isometric, 6-sec holds), wrist rolls (isotonic) (MVC = 40%)

dosage = 10 reps, 3 days/week

progression = up to 15 reps at 60% MVC isometric, 6–8 reps more than 60% MVC isotonic

CG (n = 10): no intervention

Grip strength (6 wks): S Likert pain scale (6 wks): NS

Strength (p = 0.08) Pain (p = 0.53)

Østerås et al. (2014) [29]

RGb = 65

CGb = 65 N = 120

90% F

66 (9) years old

RG (n = 57): supervised = 4 group sessions (weeks 1–3 and 8)

exercise = shoulder e/f, biceps curl, elastic band e/a thumb, pipe squeeze (100% MVC)

dosage = 10 reps, moderate/vigorous intensity (weeks 1 and 2), 3 days/week

progression = 15 reps (weeks 3–12)

CG (n = 63): usual care (GP visit)

Grip strength (12 wks): NS NRS pain (12 wks): S FIHOA (12 wks): NS

Strength (p = 0.3) Pain (p = 0.4) Function (p = 0.26)

Rogers and Wilder (2009)^a [30]

RGb = 76

CGb = 76 N = 46

87% F

75 (6.7) years old

RG (n = 46): supervised = 1 individual session

exercise = gripping (16–19% MVC), key pinch, fingertip pinch all with rubber ball

dosage = 10 reps (weeks 1, 2, 3 and 4), every day

progression = 12 reps, 15 reps, 20 reps all increased every fourth week

CG (n = 46): sham hand moisturiser

Grip strength (16 wks): NS AUSCAN pain (16 wks): NS AUSCAN function (16 wks): NS

Strength (p = 0.96) Pain (p = 0.84) Function (p = 0.87)