Effects of aerobic and resistance exercise in older adults with rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of a person-centered, moderate-to-high intensity, aerobic and resistance exercise protocol on older adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), through a randomized controlled multi-center trial.

METHODS: Older adults (65-75 years) with RA (n=74) were randomized to either a 20-week person-centered exercise intervention at a gym (n=36) or to home-based exercise of light intensity (n=38). Assessments were performed at baseline, at 20 weeks, and at 12 months. Primary outcome was the difference in the Health Assessment Questionnaire - Disability Index (HAQ-DI), and the secondary outcomes were the differences in physical fitness assessed by a cardiopulmonary exercise test, an endurance test, Timed Up and Go, Sit To Stand test and isometric elbow flexion force.

RESULTS: No significant differences between the groups were found for the primary outcome HAQ-DI. Within the intervention group there was a significant improvement of HAQ-DI when compared to baseline (p=0.022). Aerobic capacity (p<0.001) and three out of four additional performance-based tests of endurance and strength significantly improved (p<0.05) in the intervention group when compared to the control group. In the intervention group 71% rated their health as much or very much improved compared to 24% of the control group (p<0.001). At the 12-month follow-up, there were no significant difference of change between the two groups on HAQ-DI. A significant between-group difference was found for change in an endurance test (p=0.022).

CONCLUSION: Person-centered aerobic and resistance exercise improved physical fitness in terms of aerobic capacity, endurance and strength in older adults with RA. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.