The Effects of Pilates Training on Exercise Capacity and Respiratory Muscle Performance in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Investigation of the Effect of Clinical Pilates Training on Functional Exercise Capacity and Respiratory Muscle Performance in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with significant functional impairment and increased risk for cardiovascular and pulmonary disease. Along with pharmacological therapy, exercise seems to be a very promising intervention to improve disease-related outcomes, including functional capacity and systemic manifestations. Despite the fact that aerobic and strengthening exercises have been shown to be useful in patients with RA, there have been limited research on the effects of pilates training. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effect of clinical pilates training on exercise capacity, respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, respiratory muscle endurance, respiratory function, pain, balance, core stability, dyspnea, functional status, fatigue, quality of life, depression and anxiety in patients with RA.

According to sample size calculation 30 patients with RA will be included. Patients will be evaluated before and after treatment. Patients will be randomized into exercise and control training groups. In the exercise training group the patients will be given pilates exercise; in the control training group, the patients will be given relaxation exercise. Pilates exercises will be applied by the physiotherapist 3 days a week for 8 weeks. The patients in the control training group will be given relaxation exercises as a home exercise program 3 days a week for 8 weeks. Exercise capacity, pulmonary functions, respiratory and peripheral muscle strength, respiratory muscle endurance, pain, balance, core stability, dyspnea, functional status, fatigue, quality of life, depression and anxiety will be evaluated.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 18-65 years old
• Being diagnosed according to the American College of Rheumatology (ACR)/EULAR 2010 rheumatoid arthritis diagnostic criteria
• under standard medications

Exclusion Criteria:

• orthopedic or neurological disease with a potential to affect functional capacity
• have problems that can prevent evaluation
• have a neurological problem that may cause hearing or vision impairment
• changes in medical treatment in the last 3 months
• have high disease activity score (DAS-28>3.2)