Effect of Exercise on the Disease Activity of Rheumatoid Arthritis

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

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.

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.

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