Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Resistance Training in Patients With Psoriatic Arthritis

Resistance Training in Patients With Psoriatic Arthritis Improves Function, Disease Activity and Quality of Life

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of resistance training in improving functional capacity, muscle strength, quality of life and disease activity in patients with PSA.

The IG patients performed resistance exercises for the following muscles group: upper limbs, lower limbs and trunk. It was used a machine "leg extension" for the training on the lower limbs. For upper limbs we used a pulley triceps machine and front pull in addition to free weights (dumbbells).

In order to perform the exercise program the study followed all the recommendations established by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) (Ratamess et al., 2009). It was carried out two exercises for major muscle groups and one exercise for small muscles. The exercises were divided in 3 sets of 12 repetitions for each muscle group. The intensity of the exercises were 60% of one-maximum repetition (1RM).

The exercise program involved pectoral exercises: crucifix and seat supine; biceps: alternated screw; triceps: triceps pulley; back: standing handsaw and pulled ahead; quadriceps: leg extensor and finally gluteo: standing hips extension.

Control Group (CG) The control group was kept in a waiting list while continued with the standard pharmacological treatment during all the study. The patients were instructed to maintain their daily activities and to avoid any other non-pharmacological treatment. The exercise program was offered to the control group in the end of the study.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Confirmed diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis, according to the CASPAR criteria
• Between 18 and 65 years of age, of both genders who agreed and signed the consent form.
• Patients should be-modifying drugs (DMARDs) on stable doses for at least three months and doses of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids stable for at least 4 weeks

Exclusion Criteria:

Patients were excluded:

• Uncontrolled cardiovascular disease
• Decompensated diabetes mellitus; diseases
• Severe psychiatric
• Fibromyalgia
• Other medical conditions that most disabling EA
• History of regular exercise (at least 30 minutes 2 times per week) during the last 6 months
• Arthroplasties of the hip and / or knee in the last 12 months; AND
• Any other medical condition that prevents the patient from performing resistance exercises