Intensive Dynamic Training in Water for Rheumatoid Arthritis Functional Class II - a Long-term Study of Effects

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess the effects of once-weekly, intensive dynamic training in water of patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Thirty patients with RA, functional class II, in a training group (TG) and 30 in a comparison group (CG) were assessed with respect to clinical, radiological and functional disease manifestations and psychosocial consequences before and after a four-year training period. After the training period the TG patients had significantly better grip strength and higher activity level, the latter maintained at two-year follow-up. There were significantly more CG patient admittances for acute hospital care during the training period. No other differences between the groups were found. Dynamic training at an intensive tempo does not seem, even in a long perspective, to lead to any undesirable consequences.

Is hydrotherapy cost-effective? A randomised controlled trial of combined hydrotherapy programmes compared with physiotherapy land techniques in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis

“…In contrast, two studies reported no significant reduction in pain following hydrotherapy in adults with arthritis. 41,42 Other studies suggest no additional reduction in pain with hydrotherapy than with immersion to the neck in heated water. 24,43 Nonetheless, these results have clinical relevance, and increased joint pain has been reported as the main reason for patients with rheumatoid arthritis stopping landbased exercises.…”

“…70,72 Therefore, comparing groups, greater improvement was found in both endurance, fitness and the physical aspects of HRQoL in the combined than the land group, in line with findings of smaller hydrotherapy studies in paediatric and adult rheumatological populations. 24,31,42,[48][49][50]54,55 These improvements might be explained by the reduced weightbearing through joints in water, which allows patients to exercise strenuously without pain, risk of injury or stress on articular and soft tissue structures. [45][46][47] Furthermore, deep water running requires less aerobic metabolism and shorter stride length (less strain on joints, especially if articular movement is restricted) than running in shallow water or on land.…”

“…Furthermore, water may be a suitable medium for exercise in JIA as patients often have low initial working capacities owing to reduced physical activity and opportunities to exercise. Improved fitness and levels of physical activity in rheumatoid arthritis 42,[48][49][50] and an enhanced cardiorespiratory response in healthy adults have been demonstrated following exercise in water. 51,52 Background There is only one small study investigating the effects of hydrotherapy on muscle strength in JIA.…”

Reabilitação em artrite idiopática juvenil

“…Stenstrom et al (29) seguiram por quatro anos dois grupos de 30 pacientes com diagnóstico de AR. Trinta pacientes realizaram treinamento dinâmico intensivo na água, com freqüência de uma vez por semana durante 40 minutos; o outro grupo não recebeu nenhum treinamento.…”

The effects of participation in an arthritis foundation sponsored aquacize program on health status

“…The Arthritis Foundation literature states that their aquacize programs are not intended to be a substitute for individualized therapeutic exercise regimens as prescribed by a health care professional (AF, 1996a;AFAP, 1990). These programs are offered as a complement to clinical treatment (Stenstrom et al, 1991).…”