Effects of high‐intensity resistance training in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objective. To confirm, in a randomized controlled trial (RCT), the efficacy of high-intensity progressive resistance training (PRT) in restoring muscle mass and function in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Additionally, to investigate the role of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system in exercise-induced muscle hypertrophy in the context of RA.

Are the benefits of a high‐intensity progressive resistance training program sustained in rheumatoid arthritis patients? A 3‐year followup study

“…At followup, body mass, body composition by whole-body dual x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), maximal isometric knee extensor strength (KES), physical function by objective tests (30-second chair stand, 30-second arm curl, 50-foot walk), and disease activity by the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28) were measured as previously described (3). At followup, subjects were also asked about their habitual physical activity (PA) at work and during leisure time (each ranked 1-4, i.e., sedentary to heavy, regular PA, and summed to provide a 2-8 aggregate score) (4), sleep patterns, current medication, and whether their usual diet had changed over the study period.…”

Effect of physical exercise on muscle mass and strength in cancer patients during treatment—A systematic review

“…Experimental trials have demonstrated possible anti-inflammatory effects of exercise in cachectic mice [16] as well as partial rescue of muscle mass and strength in tumour -bearing mice when exercise was combined with eicosapentiaenoic acid [17]. Furthermore, a small number of clinical studies have demonstrated the contribution of exercise to reduce or delay cachexia in patients with chronic diseases other than cancer [18,19]. Previous reviews on effects of physical exercise in patients with cachexia have been narrative and not specific to cancer patients [20,21], or have mainly discussed biological and pathophysiological effects of exercise on cachexiarelated muscle wasting [22,23].…”

The “Weakness” Link: Can Muscle Impairment Be Identified as a Cause of Disability in Rheumatology Patients?

“…Both RA and SLE are associated with accelerated loss of muscle mass and gain in fat mass compared to healthy controls (4,5), and there is growing evidence that these abnormal body composition phenotypes are linked to disability (6,7). Body composition is potentially modifiable, and there is evidence from randomized trials that resistance training can increase lean muscle mass, decrease fat mass, and induce a concomitant improvement in physical function (8). But as mentioned earlier, physical disability is multifactorial and cannot be attributed to abnormal body composition in all patients.…”