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Dynamic exercise therapy in rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review
C H Van den Ende1, T P Vliet Vlieland, M Munneke
1Department of Rheumatology, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands.
British Journal of Rheumatology
|July 17, 1998
Summary
Dynamic exercise therapy significantly improves aerobic capacity and muscle strength in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. This therapy shows no negative impact on pain or disease activity, but its effects on function and joint damage require further study.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Exercise Physiology
- Physical Therapy
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting joints.
- Effective management strategies for RA often include therapeutic exercise.
- Dynamic exercise therapy's role in RA requires comprehensive evaluation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effectiveness of dynamic exercise therapy in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients.
- To evaluate improvements in joint mobility, muscle strength, aerobic capacity, and daily functioning.
- To investigate potential adverse effects like increased pain, disease activity, or radiological progression.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of controlled trials identified via MEDLINE, Embase, and SCISEARCH.
- Inclusion criteria: randomized trials of dynamic exercise therapy in RA patients (intensity >60% max HR for 20 min, frequency ≥2/week, duration ≥6 weeks).
- Two blinded reviewers assessed study quality and extracted data; data could not be pooled due to heterogeneity.
Main Results:
- Dynamic exercise therapy demonstrated effectiveness in enhancing aerobic capacity and muscle strength.
- No detrimental effects on disease activity or pain levels were observed in RA patients.
- The impact of dynamic exercise therapy on functional ability and radiological progression remains inconclusive.
Conclusions:
- Dynamic exercise therapy positively influences the physical capacity of rheumatoid arthritis patients.
- Further research is warranted to understand the long-term effects on radiological progression and functional ability.
- Dynamic exercise therapy is a beneficial intervention for improving physical capacity in RA.