Related Experiment Videos
Moderately intensive exercise in a temperate pool for patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized controlled
A Bilberg1, M Ahlmén, K Mannerkorpi
1Department of Physical Therapy, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden. Annelie.Bilberg@vgregion.se
Rheumatology (Oxford, England)
|February 25, 2005
Summary
Moderate-intensity pool exercise therapy significantly improved muscle endurance in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Improvements in upper and lower extremity muscle function were maintained for 3 months, though aerobic capacity was unaffected.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Physical Therapy
- Exercise Science
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting joints.
- Exercise therapy is a common intervention for managing RA symptoms.
- The specific benefits of moderately intensive pool exercise for RA patients require further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of moderately intensive pool exercise therapy on patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Main Methods:
- Forty-six patients with chronic RA were randomized into a treatment group (n=20) and a control group (n=23).
- The treatment group engaged in pool exercise twice weekly for 12 weeks.
- Primary outcomes included aerobic capacity and SF-36 physical component; secondary outcomes assessed muscle endurance.
Main Results:
- No significant differences were observed in primary outcome measures (aerobic capacity, SF-36 physical component) between groups.
- The treatment group showed significant improvements (P < 0.05) in upper and lower extremity muscle endurance and function compared to the control group.
- Improvements in muscle function and vitality (SF-36) were maintained for 3 months post-intervention.
Conclusions:
- Moderately intensive pool exercise therapy effectively enhances muscle endurance in the upper and lower extremities of RA patients.
- The therapy did not significantly impact aerobic capacity in this patient cohort.
- Further research with larger populations is recommended due to the small study size.