The Effects of a 16-Week Individualized, Intensive Strength Training Program in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

The Strength Training and Remicade Study

To assess the effects of a 16-week individualized, intensive strength training program in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Primary and secondary outcomes include: strength and body composition, function, disease activity, pain, quality of life.

We hypothesized that improvements would be seen in all of the above outcomes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Males and females with RA
• Over 18 years of age
• ACR Functional Class I and II
• Taking Remicade >4 months

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of comorbid conditions contraindicated to exercise, including, but not limited to:

  1. heart disease
  2. severe osteoporosis: (if >50 years): T score < -3.0 for hip or spine excluded; T score <-2.5 for hip or spine w/o current treatment)
  3. (all potential subjects) previous non-traumatic fractures
  4. uncontrolled BP

• BMI >40

• Regular use of assistive walking device which would interfere with ability to lift weights

• Currently or within the last 3 months participating in aerobic exercise > 150 minutes a week

• Currently or within the last 3 months participating in any regular strength training activities

• Presence of neurological impairment that directly limits ability to perform exercise

• Participation in concurrent exercise study

• Any reason for which the investigator deems it would not be in the patient's best interest to continue in the study

• Plans to move away from site within next 1 year