Effect of Exercise on the Disease Activity of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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This study will evaluate the effect of exercise on the number of swollen and tender joints associated with rheumatoid arthritis after a 12 week exercise program of treadmill walking and weightlifting.

Detailed Description
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The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of exercise on the number of swollen and tender joints associated with rheumatoid arthritis. It was hypothesized that persons would have less inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis after a 12 week exercise program of treadmill walking and weighlifting. Immune parameters were measured to determine potential mechanisms responsible for changes in inflammation with exercise.

Official Title
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Evaluation of the Effect of Exercise on Disease Activity and Immune Parameters in Persons With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Conditions
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Rheumatoid Arthritis

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Aerobic and resistance exercise training


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: a diagnosis of RA according to the ACR 1989 Criteria at least 6 months prior to enrollment in the study, but not longer than 12 years age 19 to 65 years old stable regimen of medication for 2 months with less than 10 mg/day of oral corticosteroids currently exercise < 2x/week for less than 30 minutes at less than 60% of his/her age predicted maximum heart rate Subjects must pass the Physical Activity Readiness Scale Questionnaire (PAR-Q) Exclusion Criteria: other serious health problems intra-articular injection within 6 weeks total joint replacement of the large joints use of beta-blockers inability to complete the submaximal exercise test

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 19 Years
Maximum Age: 65 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Intervention Model: Single Group Assignment
Masking: None (Open Label)


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Exercise<br>Exercise consists of 30 minutes of treadmill exercise at approximately 85% of heart rate max and 2 sets of 6 resistance weight lifting exercises resulting in volitional fatigue at 12 to 15 repetitions. | Other: Aerobic and resistance exercise training<br>* Exercise was performed 3 times per week. It consisted of 30 minutes of treadmill exercise at approximately 85% of heartrate max and 2 sets of 6 resistance weight lifting exercises resulting in volitional fatigue at 12 to 15 repetitions.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Swollen Joint Count |  | 12 Weeks | 
| Tender Joint Count |  | 12 Weeks | 

Secondary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Pain (visual Analog Scale) |  | 12 Weeks | 
| Modified-Health Assessment Questionnaire |  | 12 Weeks | 
| Estimated Aerobic Capacity (VO2max) |  | 12 weeks | 
| SF-36 |  | 12 Weeks | 
| Patient Global Assessment |  | 12 Weeks | 
| Practitioner Global Assessment |  | 12 Weeks | 
| Timed-Stands Test |  | 12 Weeks | 
| 50 Foot Walk Test |  | 12 Weeks | 

 Terms related to the study
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Keywords Provided by Centre Hospitalier Valida
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exercise, disease activity, inflammation, resistance training, rehabilitation