Effect of ceramic-impregnated "thermoflow" gloves on patients with Raynaud's syndrome: randomized, placebo-controlled study
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Ko and Berbrayer, 2002 [double-blind, placebo-controlled study; n = 60; male and female; mean age of 51.8±12.3/54.1±12.1] aimed to determine the efficacy of ceramic impregnated gloves in the treatment of Raynaud's syndrome. Ceramic-impregnated “thermoflow” gloves were supplied to half of the participants who were instructed by a blinded consultant as to appropriate use (including duration of wear, hygiene, and application technique). Placebo gloves supplied to the other half were identical in appearance, odor, and texture. Thirty subjects used active gloves over the three months and 30 subjects used placebo gloves. In 60 participants with complete data, improvements were noted in the visual analogue scale rating, DASH score, Jamar grip strength, infrared skin fingertip temperature, Purdue hand dexterity test, and the Likert scale with ceramic gloves over the placebo cotton gloves. The authors concluded that the ceramic-impregnated "thermoflow" gloves have a clinically important effect in Raynaud's syndrome.