The aim of the study was to assess the effects of once-weekly, intensive dynamic training in water of patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Thirty patients with RA, functional class II, in a training group (TG) and 30 in a comparison group (CG) were assessed with respect to clinical, radiological and functional disease manifestations and psychosocial consequences before and after a four-year training period. After the training period the TG patients had significantly better grip strength and higher activity level, the latter maintained at two-year follow-up. There were significantly more CG patient admittances for acute hospital care during the training period. No other differences between the groups were found. Dynamic training at an intensive tempo does not seem, even in a long perspective, to lead to any undesirable consequences.
The purpose of this study was to select and describe a group of RA patients within a defined area who had, on clinical grounds, been considered for active training. The material consisted of 69 patients with classical or definite RA. It comprised half of the RA patients known to the clinic. The patients were assessed by means of a questionnaire, functional tests with rating of activity-induced pain, a cycling-test with rating of perceived exertion, and an interview by a psychologist. Subjective disease consequences were pain and stiffness. 38% of the patients never or seldom exercised. 72% wished to increase their activity but were prevented by pain. The functional tests indicated slow performance and considerable pain in activities of daily life. The interview disclosed above all, a low degree of self-confidence. Generalized pain and functional impairment correlated slightly with psychosocial factors. The results of the study indicate the need for active training as one strategy to alleviate pain and to maintain functional capacity in RA patients.
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