Effects of aerobic and resistance exercise in older adults with rheumatoid arthritis: A randomized controlled trial.

Abstract

To evaluate the effect of a person-centered, moderate-to-high intensity, aerobic and resistance exercise protocol on older adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), through a randomized controlled multi-center trial.Older adults (65-75 years) with RA (n=74) were randomized to either a 20-week person-centered exercise intervention at a gym (n=36) or to home-based exercise of light intensity (n=38). Assessments were performed at baseline, at 20 weeks, and at 12 months. Primary outcome was the difference in the Health Assessment Questionnaire - Disability Index (HAQ-DI), and the secondary outcomes were the differences in physical fitness assessed by a cardiopulmonary exercise test, an endurance test, Timed Up and Go, Sit To Stand test and isometric elbow flexion force.No significant differences between the groups were found for the primary outcome HAQ-DI. Within the intervention group there was a significant improvement of HAQ-DI when compared to baseline (p=0.022). Aerobic capacity (p<0.001) and three out of four additional performance-based tests of endurance and strength significantly improved (p<0.05) in the intervention group when compared to the control group. In the intervention group 71% rated their health as much or very much improved compared to 24% of the control group (p<0.001). At the 12-month follow-up, there were no significant difference of change between the two groups on HAQ-DI. A significant between-group difference was found for change in an endurance test (p=0.022).Person-centered aerobic and resistance exercise improved physical fitness in terms of aerobic capacity, endurance and strength in older adults with RA. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.