Article

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of overall progressive resistance
training in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. DESIGN: Randomized controlled
clinical trial with blinded assessor and intention-to-treat analysis. SETTING: Outpatient clinics. SUBJECTS: Sixty patients with rheumatoid arthritis according
to the American College of Rheumatology criteria, aged between 18 and 65 years
old, under stable medication and not performing regular physical activity were
randomized into two groups: intervention group (IG) and control group (CG).
INTERVENTIONS: IG performed the progressive resistance strength training, twice a
week, during 12 weeks. The training consists of exercising various muscle groups
using a load of 50% and 70% of one repetition maximum. The load was reassessed
and adjusted after six weeks of baseline. Both groups remained in conventional
drug treatment during the study. MAIN MEASURES: Patients were evaluated at
baseline and after 6, 12, and 24 weeks, using HAQ and SF-36 questionnaires and
strength. RESULTS: Thirty-three patients in the CG and 27 in the IG were
evaluated. The groups were homogeneous at baseline. Statistical and clinical
improvement were found with better results for the IG in the HAQ questionnaire (
P=0.030), functional capacity (0=0.022) and pain ( P=0.027) domains of SF-36; and
muscle strength for flexors of right and left knee ( P=0.005 and p=0.14),
abductors of shoulder ( P=0.041) and extensors of right and left wrists ( P=0.003
and P= 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: This progressive resistance strength training
improves physical function as well as grip and muscular strength of knee flexors,
shoulder abductors and wrist extensors in patients with RA, without adverse
effects.

Langue : ANGLAIS