Lead researcher Emalie Hurkmans of the Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands and colleagues reviewed dynamic exercise program trials in rheumatoid arthritis patients and found moderate benefits associated with this type of treatment.
"Based on the evidence in this study, we would recommend aerobic capacity training combined with muscle strength training as routine practice for RA patients," Hurkmans said in a statement. "But we need more research to establish the recommended length and type of exercise programs, whether patients need to be supervised and if these programs are cost effective."
The researchers combined data from eight trials involving a total of 575 patients. The results, published in the Cochrane Library, reaffirm the previous studies' findings that dynamic exercise programs are safe and have positive effects on aerobic capacity and muscle strength in rheumatoid arthritis patients, and when performed long-term also have a positive effect on functional ability.
However, the researchers said the benefits are only seen immediately after the intervention. They also suggest water-based programs may help improve functional ability of patients. [rc]
© 2009 United Press International, Inc
October 7, 2009
NETHERLANDS: Exercise advised for rheumatoid arthritis
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LEIDEN, Netherlands / United Press International / Health News / October 7, 2009
Exercise programs designed to improve strength and stamina are safe and effective treatments for rheumatoid arthritis, a review by Dutch researchers found.
Lead researcher Emalie Hurkmans of the Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands and colleagues reviewed dynamic exercise program trials in rheumatoid arthritis patients and found moderate benefits associated with this type of treatment.
"Based on the evidence in this study, we would recommend aerobic capacity training combined with muscle strength training as routine practice for RA patients," Hurkmans said in a statement. "But we need more research to establish the recommended length and type of exercise programs, whether patients need to be supervised and if these programs are cost effective."
The researchers combined data from eight trials involving a total of 575 patients. The results, published in the Cochrane Library, reaffirm the previous studies' findings that dynamic exercise programs are safe and have positive effects on aerobic capacity and muscle strength in rheumatoid arthritis patients, and when performed long-term also have a positive effect on functional ability.
However, the researchers said the benefits are only seen immediately after the intervention. They also suggest water-based programs may help improve functional ability of patients. [rc]
© 2009 United Press International, Inc
Lead researcher Emalie Hurkmans of the Leiden University Medical Center in the Netherlands and colleagues reviewed dynamic exercise program trials in rheumatoid arthritis patients and found moderate benefits associated with this type of treatment.
"Based on the evidence in this study, we would recommend aerobic capacity training combined with muscle strength training as routine practice for RA patients," Hurkmans said in a statement. "But we need more research to establish the recommended length and type of exercise programs, whether patients need to be supervised and if these programs are cost effective."
The researchers combined data from eight trials involving a total of 575 patients. The results, published in the Cochrane Library, reaffirm the previous studies' findings that dynamic exercise programs are safe and have positive effects on aerobic capacity and muscle strength in rheumatoid arthritis patients, and when performed long-term also have a positive effect on functional ability.
However, the researchers said the benefits are only seen immediately after the intervention. They also suggest water-based programs may help improve functional ability of patients. [rc]
© 2009 United Press International, Inc
