Study Examining the Effect of Exercise in People With Rheumatoid Arthritis Taking Anti-TNFalpha Medication

Randomized Controlled Trial Examining The Effect Of Exercise In People With Rheumatoid Arthritis Taking Anti-TNFalpha Medication

The purpose of this study is to determine whether exercise is beneficial for people with rheumatoid arthritis(RA) taking antiTNFalpha medication

Substantial progress has been made in the medical management of RA over the past decade but at present no drug therapy leads to long-term remission for all patients with RA. People may still continue to experience physical, psychological and functional consequences which could benefit from rehabilitation.little research exists on the effects of exercise for people with RA taking anti-TNFalpha therapy medication.

It is proposed to conduct a randomized controlled trial to examine the effects of group exercise therapy in a gym setting or in a hydrotherapy pool compared to a control group.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with RA receiving anti-TNFalpha therapy medication for more than three months
• Consenting male and female patients aged 18 - 70 years
• Patients will have a documented diagnosis of RA as classified by the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria
• ACR functional class I, II, III

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients who have attended physiotherapy in the past three months
• Patients to whom exercise therapy or hydrotherapy are contraindicated
• Patients who have undergone joint surgery in the past six months