[Physical training of patients with rheumatoid arthritis]

The training methods given to patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are reviewed. Recent studies indicate that patients with moderately active RA may tolerate physical training. Treatment with isometric training and rest-therapy have less beneficial effects than dynamic training with strength and aërobic condition training. Two training studies have shown that patients with moderate active RA show decreased disease activity after training when compared to the control groups. The explanation of this is not clear, but an immune modulation or hormonal stimulation induced by the training might be the cause, but further research is needed, as training-induced improvement of the physical ability and disease activity is important.