3 ) short-term , water-based aerobic capacity training , which results show limited evidence for a positive effect on functional ability and aerobic capacity .
( 4 ) long-term , l and -based aerobic capacity and muscle strength training , which results show moderate evidence for a positive effect on aerobic capacity and muscle strength .
With respect to safety , no deleterious effects were found in any of the included studies .
Based on the evidence , aerobic capacity training combined with muscle strength training is recommended as routine practice in patients with RA
BACKGROUND An up-to- date overview of the effectiveness and safety of dynamic exercise therapy ( exercise therapy with a sufficient intensity , duration , and frequency to establish improvement in aerobic capacity and /or muscle strength ) is lacking .
OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness and safety of short-term ( < three months ) and long-term ( > three months ) dynamic exercise therapy programs ( aerobic capacity and /or muscle strength training ) , either l and or water-based , for people with RA .
To do this we up date d a previous Cochrane review ( van den Ende 1998 ) and made categories for the different forms of dynamic exercise programs .
Efficacy of low load resistive muscle training in patients with rheumatoid arthritis functional class II and III.
OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of a low load resistance exercise training program on muscle strength , functional outcome , and cardiovascular endurance . METHODS Forty-nine patients , 37 women and 12 men between the ages of 35 - 76 yrs ( mean 60.5 yrs ) , with definite rheumatoid arthritis ( RA ) functional class II and III ( mean disease duration of 10.5 yrs ) were r and omly assigned to exercise and control groups for a 12 wk resistive muscle training program . A circuit weight bearing form of training was incorporated using light loads with high repetitions . A video tape demonstrating the exercises was given to all exercising participants to enable them to continue the program at home at least 3 times per wk with a biweekly self-report evaluation . Baseline and post-intervention evaluations included joint activity , muscle strength , endurance , functional outcome , and self-report . Cardiovascular fitness measured by treadmill time , anaerobic threshold and peak oxygen consumption ( VO2 ) in this group were assessed at baseline and 12 wks . RESULTS A significant improvement at 12 wks was noted in the exercise group for self-reported joint count ( p = 0.02 ) , number of painful joints ( p = 0.004 ) , HAQ ( p = 0.012 ) , sit-to-st and time ( p = 0.02 ) , grip strength ( p = 0.05 ) knee extension 60 degrees ( p = 0.03 ) , Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales dexterity ( p = 0.02 ) , and time to anaerobic threshold ( p = 0.03 ) . Significant improvement in the exercise group compared to the control group was noted for self-reported joint count ( p = 0.02 ) , night time pain ( p = 0.05 ) , and sit-to-st and time ( p = 0.02 ) . Increase in treadmill time was not statistically significant nor was a change in peak oxygen consumption ( VO2 ) noted . Abnormalities on initial treadmill screening were detected in 2 of 49 asymptomatic patients . They were excluded from the study and subsequent workup revealed significant coronary artery disease . CONCLUSION Low load resistive muscle training increased functional capacity as reported by patients and is a clinical ly safe form of exercise in functional class II and III RA . Screening this population for dormant coronary artery disease is recommended
3 ) short-term , water-based aerobic capacity training , which results show limited evidence for a positive effect on functional ability and aerobic capacity .
( 4 ) long-term , l and -based aerobic capacity and muscle strength training , which results show moderate evidence for a positive effect on aerobic capacity and muscle strength .
With respect to safety , no deleterious effects were found in any of the included studies .
Based on the evidence , aerobic capacity training combined with muscle strength training is recommended as routine practice in patients with RA
BACKGROUND An up-to- date overview of the effectiveness and safety of dynamic exercise therapy ( exercise therapy with a sufficient intensity , duration , and frequency to establish improvement in aerobic capacity and /or muscle strength ) is lacking .
OBJECTIVES To assess the effectiveness and safety of short-term ( < three months ) and long-term ( > three months ) dynamic exercise therapy programs ( aerobic capacity and /or muscle strength training ) , either l and or water-based , for people with RA .
To do this we up date d a previous Cochrane review ( van den Ende 1998 ) and made categories for the different forms of dynamic exercise programs .