Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients Find Magic in Exercise: Improves Function, Mental Ability

June 11, 2009 – Senior citizens plagued by rheumatoid arthritis may find significant relief with a supervised exercise program, according to a new study presented today. It can have beneficial effects on functional status and physical function, reduce the need for daily corticosteroid and anti-inflammatory intake and improve levels of depression and anxiety in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

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This three-month program, comprising moderate aerobic and strengthening exercises, conducted for 50-60 minutes three times per week, proved not only to be safe and beneficial both physically and in terms of quality of life for patients, but was also associated with a stabilizing effect in disease activity measured by DAS28 (Disease Activity Score).

DAS28 (Disease Activity Score) is an index used by physicians to measure how active an individual's RA is. It assesses number of tender and swollen joints (out of a total of 28), the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR, a blood marker of inflammation), and the patient's 'global assessment of global health'. A higher score indicates more active disease.

During the three months of the Portuguese study, researchers observed the following:

● A 33% improvement in the HAQ (Health Assessment Questionnaire) disability index measurement of physical functioning (assessing ability to undertake everyday activities such as dressing, eating and walking, and whether assistance from another person or disability aids is required) (p < 0.023)

   ● An improvement in physical function, as outlined below:
         > 55% improvement in the 'sit and stand' test (p=0.018)
         > 10% improvement in the right-hand grip test (p=0.025) and 15% in the left-hand grip test (p=0.035)
         > 19% improvement in the walk time test (p=0.063)

● 62% of patients reported a reduced need for daily corticosteroid intake, from a mean dosage of 5.3mg/day of prednisone to 3.1mg/day (p=0.038)

● 32% of patients reported stopping concurrent NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) treatment altogether following the exercise programmed (p=0.083)

● Mean LDL (low-density lipoprotein) cholesterol increased from 90mg/dl to 125mg/dl (p=0.018)

● 40% improvement in the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS), a self-reported assessment of negative emotional states, with 28% in the depression and 48% in the anxiety component respectively (p=0.078)

Physical Activity Is Natural Pain Reliever for Arthritis in Senior Citizens, Boomers

Study says it is possible to manage arthritis pain by moving more

April 10, 2008 – It does not seem to make common sense – to exercise when suffering with joint pain – but a recent study in Arthritis Care and Research concludes that regular exercise is an effective way to “significantly” improve and manage arthritis pain. The study specifically measured results of the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program. Read more...

The study was presented today at EULAR 2009, the Annual Congress of the European League Against Rheumatism in Copenhagen, Denmark.

(More information about EULAR at bottom of page.)

Dr. Miguel Sousa of Instituto Português de Rheumatology, Lisbon, Portugal, who led the study, said: "When joints are stiff and painful, proactively taking exercise might seem undesirable for people with RA.

"However, our study has demonstrated that regular and supervised moderate aerobic workouts and strengthening exercises may be extremely beneficial for both a patient's physical and mental health, with a corresponding effect on quality of life.

"The challenge for physicians is to provide suitable motivation and reassurance to their RA patients in order that they initiate and stick with such a program."

The observational longitudinal study followed eight physically-inactive patients (7 female; mean age of 59 (46-71) years; mean disease duration of 16 (3-30) years) with relatively stable RA (stable medication taken for at least three months; mean dose of methotrexate 17.5mg/week) for three months.

About Arthritis Types - Overview

The word arthritis actually means joint inflammation. The term arthritis is used to describe more than 100 rheumatic diseases and conditions that affect joints, the tissues which surround the joint and other connective tissue. The pattern, severity and location of symptoms can vary depending on the specific form of the disease.

Typically, rheumatic conditions are characterized by pain and stiffness in and around one or more joints. The symptoms can develop gradually or suddenly. Certain rheumatic conditions can also involve the immune system and various internal organs of the body.

A brief overview of the most common forms of arthritis will be discussed in this section. Whenever possible, the format for each arthritis type overview will include the following sections: background, prevalence (the number of people affected now), incidence (the number of new people affected in a given time period), mortality, hospitalizations, ambulatory care data (office, hospital outpatient, and emergency department visits), cost (direct and indirect where available), impact on quality of life and unique characteristics (such as transient nature, post infectious, etc.).

References and resources for further information are provided at the end of each overview.

   ● Childhood Arthritis
   ● Fibromyalgia
   ● General
   ● Gout
   ● Osteoarthritis
   ● Rheumatoid Arthritis
   ● Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus)

More at Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

More About Rheumatoid Arthritis

Also called: RA

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a form of arthritis that causes pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of function in your joints. It can affect any joint but is common in the wrist and fingers.

You might have the disease for only a short time, or symptoms might come and go. The severe form can last a lifetime.

Anyone can get this disease, though it occurs more often in women. Rheumatoid arthritis often starts in middle age and is most common in older people. But children and young adults can also get it.

Rheumatoid arthritis is different from osteoarthritis, the common arthritis that often comes with older age. RA can affect body parts besides joints, such as your eyes, mouth and lungs.

RA is an autoimmune disease, which means the arthritis results from your immune system attacking your body's own tissues.

No one knows what causes rheumatoid arthritis. Genes, environment and hormones might contribute. Treatments include medicine, lifestyle changes and surgery. These can slow or stop joint damage and reduce pain and swelling.

More at National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases