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DYNAMIC EXERCISE TRAINING IN IMPROVING MUSCLE STRENGTH AND FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITY IN RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS PATIENTS. Young-Jae Yoon
Purpose: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients compared to the healthy population present significantly reduced muscle strength and functional activities. The purpose of this paper was to review the effectiveness of dynamic exercise training in terms of improving muscle strength and functional activity, and tolerance to the exercise program in patients with RA.
Methods: A computer-aided search (1980-1999) of Medline and CINAHL was performed and further literature was obtained through searching the reference lists of the identified articles from the initial search. Key words used were rheumatoid arthritis, exercise therapy, muscle strengthening and strength training. Only randomized controlled trials were selected.
Results: Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. They used a variety of exercise programs and outcome measures. The exercise programs ranged in length from 12 weeks to 2 years; frequency from 2-5 times per week; duration from 15 to 90 min; and intensity from low to high. Most studies found that dynamic exercise training showed improvement in muscle strength and five studies suggested improvement in functional activities. Participating in dynamic exercise training did not adversely affect the joints in any of those studies.
Conclusions: Individuals with controlled RA can safely participate in dynamic exercise training programs which have potential to improve muscle strength and functional activities.
Clinical relevance: Dynamic exercise training should be included as a part of overall rehabilitation program of RA patients.