POS0140-HPR SUPERVISED HIGH INTENSITY INTERVAL EXERCISE WAS EXPERIENCED AS CHALLENGING BUT MANAGEABLE FOR PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Authors: G. Limbäck Svensson, A. Bilberg
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2024)

<h3>Background:</h3> Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) which is linked to the systemic inflammation and increased prevalence of traditional risk factors for CVD. Exercise is a recommended treatment for patients with RA as well as for CVD. High intensity interval exercise is a time-efficient mode to improve cardiorespiratory fitness (VO<sub>2</sub>max) an important factor for cardiovascular health. In rheumatology, the exercise mode is not yet widely used. Experiences of supervised high intensity interval exercise are earlier investigated among patients with axial spondyloarthritis. However, there is a need for studies describing experiences of supervised high intensity interval exercise for patients with RA, with their specific challenges. <h3>Objectives:</h3> To describe the experience of supervised high intensity interval exercise among patients with rheumatoid arthritis. <h3>Methods:</h3> Twenty patients with RA (ACR/EULAR 1987/2010 criteria), disease duration &gt; 12 months were selected from a randomized controlled multicenter study from rheumatology clinics in west Sweden evaluating the effect of supervised high intensity interval exercise for 12 weeks. Patients were individually interviewed, of the 20 patients, 16 were female (80%), and mean age 53 years. The interviews took place three to nine months after they had completed the supervised exercise. An interview guide with open-ended question areas was composed. For the purpose of this study the following question was analyzed: "Please describe how you experienced the supervised high intensity interval exercise?". The interviews were audio recorded, then transcribed verbatim. The interview texts were analysed by content analysis. <h3>Results:</h3> Findings were grouped into four categories; <i>Challenging but manageable exercise, Factors supporting exercise, Confidence in exercise</i>, and <i>Feeling the effect of exercise in the body</i> (Table 1). Challenging but manageable exercise: The high-intensity intervals on ergometric bicycle were described as extremely demanding. The high-intensity intervals for 4 minutes were followed by 3 minutes of active rest &gt;70% of maximal heart rate (HRmax), repeated four times. The knowledge of the different intervals made the exercise bearable. Responders described that the heart rate monitor made it possible to reach the heart rate target and to foresee when the different intervals ended and started which made the exercise more manageable. The exercise was individual adapted and adjusted after physical improvements which made the exercise more effective and manageable. Factors supporting exercise: Commitment to and support from the group and pushing from the physiotherapist were factors that were supporting in carrying out the exercise. Responders signified that it is important to keep what you promise to the group, the study and yourself which made it easier to endure the training. Confidence in exercise: Responders described that their confidence in exercise increased since they had professional guidance and learned how to adapt the high intensity interval exercise based on response from the body and current health status. They experienced that RA was not an obstacle for high intensity exercise. Previous experience of exercise in general, built easier confidence in high intensity interval exercise. Responders who formulated goals and reached their goals expressed confidence in exercise. Feeling the effect of exercise in the body: When the responders felt the positive effect of exercise in their bodies, they expressed that it was easier to continue exercising. More energy in everyday life, less fatigue, reduced joint problems, and feeling healthy promote continued exercising. Responders who experienced weight reduction felt stimulated to continue exercising. <h3>Conclusion:</h3> Patients with RA experienced that supervised high intensity interval exercise was challenging but manageable exercise. The diagnose RA was not an obstacle for high intensity exercise although professional guidance is essential for the confidence for the patients. The responders felt the effect of exercise in their bodies which was stimulating to continued exercise. <h3>REFERENCES:</h3> <b>NIL.</b> <h3>Acknowledgements:</h3> <b>NIL.</b> <h3>Disclosure of Interests:</h3> <b>None declared.</b>