Longterm Physical Training in Rheumatoid Arthritis. A Randomized Trial with Different Training Programs and Blinded Observers

Abstract

The objective was to study the long-term effect (2 years) of different training programs in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The method was a randomized trial with 75 patients participating. The measured variables included morning stiffness, a pain score, number of swollen joints, a health assessment score, a functional score, ESR, Hb, the cost of medicine, and progression using X-rays of hands and feet. The results showed no effect of training on the disease activity or on the progression of the disease. The conclusion is that although most patients are in favour of training, the present study does not support that training lessons per se affect the disease activity or the progression of the disease.

Adherence and satisfaction of rheumatoid arthritis patients with a long‐term intensive dynamic exercise program (RAPIT program)

“…Hansen et al (28) found that only half of the patients who started with a 2-year exercise program attended at least 50% of the once weekly sessions, and Stenströ m et al (15) reported that 37% of patients did not complete a 1-year exercise program. We hypothesize that several aspects of the RAPIT exercise program could have contributed to the high adherence.…”

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

“…Many o f the previously mentioned studies reported psychosocial benefits due to exercise in water (Bacon et al, 1991;DeVylder, 1995;Hansen et al, 1993;Minor et al, 1989;Stenstrom et al, 1991). Even more of these previously cited studies measured functional changes or discussed self-reports of increased abilities (Danneskiold et al, 1987;DeVylder, 1995;Green et al, 1993;Minor et al, 1989;Rasmussen & Hansen, 1989;Stenstrom et al, 1991).…”

“…Two studies report mixed results regarding the physical effects of aquatic exercise on persons with arthritis (Hansen, Hansen, Langgaard, & Rasmussen, 1993;Green, McKenna, Redfem, & Chamberlain, 1993).…”

“…Again, no statistically significant differences were found between groups. The authors state that outcome measures regarding quality of life, depression, and anxiety would have been better indicators to detect general satisfaction with exercise training (Hansen et al, 1993). Green, McKenna, Redfem, and Chamberlain (1993) concluded that home exercises are as effective as outpatient hydrotherapy for persons with hip OA.…”

“…Hansen, Hansen, Langgaard, and Rasmussen (1993) looked at the long term effects of physical training on persons with RA. Using a total of 75 patients (median age 52) as subjects, they measured numerous variables: morning stiffness, pain score, number of swollen joints, a health assessment score, functional score, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and blood hemoglobin (Hb), cost of medicine, and progression of disease using X-rays of hands and feet.…”