Reducing Sedentary Time in Rheumatoid Arthritis: The Take a STAND for Health Study

Reducing Sedentary Time in Rheumatoid Arthritis: The Take a STAND for Health Study

This research program aims to comprehensively investigate the clinical, physiological, metabolic, and molecular effects of reducing sedentary behavior in rheumatoid arthritis. To this aim, we will conduct a 4-month parallel-group randomized controlled trial aiming to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of a newly developed personalized intervention focused on replacing sedentary time with light-(or very light-) intensity physical activity in rheumatoid arthritis. Additionally, a sub-sample of patients will complete a randomised cross-over study aiming to unravel potential mechanisms underlying the metabolic, physiological and molecular effects of breaking up sedentary time with light-intensity physical activity versus carrying out the minimum amount of daily exercise at once and then remaining sedentary versus simply remaining sedentary throughout all sessions, in a well-controlled laboratorial condition.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Post-menopausal women diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis

Exclusion Criteria:

• any physical disabilities that preclude physical exercise testing
• participation in structured exercise training programs within the last 12 months
• unstable dose of disease modifying drugs, including biological therapy, in the last 3 months prior to and during the study