Occupational Therapy Treatment to Improve Upper Extremity Function in Individuals with Early Systemic Sclerosis: A Pilot Study.

Objective: To determine the feasibility and preliminary effects of occupational therapy to improve upper extremity function in patients with early systemic sclerosis (SSc; scleroderma) who have upper extremity contractures.

Methods: A single-group pilot clinical rehabilitation trial was conducted at the University of Michigan Scleroderma Center. Patients with SSc and ≥1 upper extremity contracture (n = 21) participated in a total of 8 weekly in-person occupational therapy sessions.