Physical activity, exercise and rheumatoid arthritis: Effectiveness, mechanisms and implementation

Area of Science:

• Rheumatology and Exercise Science

Background:

• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) causes functional disability, pain, fatigue, and body composition changes, increasing cardiovascular disease risk.
• Physical activity and exercise show strong potential to alleviate RA symptoms and systemic effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review evidence on the physiological adaptations and benefits of exercise in RA.
• To propose a model for implementing exercise interventions in routine RA clinical practice.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on physical activity, exercise, and rheumatoid arthritis.
• Development of a pragmatic implementation model for RA patient engagement.

Main Results:

• Exercise improves RA symptoms and reduces associated systemic manifestations like cardiovascular risk.
• Barriers to exercise implementation include patient, professional, and infrastructural factors.

Conclusions:

• Increased physical activity and exercise are beneficial for rheumatoid arthritis management.
• A pragmatic implementation model led by rheumatology practitioners and supported by social innovation is proposed to enhance long-term patient engagement.