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Effect of Exercise on the Disease Activity of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Interventions
Other: Aerobic and resistance exercise training
Registration Number
NCT00792675
Lead Sponsor
University of Nebraska
Brief Summary

This study will evaluate the effect of exercise on the number of swollen and tender joints associated with rheumatoid arthritis after a 12 week exercise program of treadmill walking and weightlifting.

Detailed Description

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of exercise on the number of swollen and tender joints associated with rheumatoid arthritis. It was hypothesized that persons would have less inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis after a 12 week exercise program of treadmill walking and weighlifting. Immune parameters were measured to determine potential mechanisms responsible for changes in inflammation with exercise.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
55
Inclusion Criteria
  • a diagnosis of RA according to the ACR 1989 Criteria at least 6 months prior to enrollment in the study, but not longer than 12 years
  • age 19 to 65 years old
  • stable regimen of medication for 2 months with less than 10 mg/day of oral corticosteroids
  • currently exercise < 2x/week for less than 30 minutes at less than 60% of his/her age predicted maximum heart rate
  • Subjects must pass the Physical Activity Readiness Scale Questionnaire (PAR-Q)
Exclusion Criteria
  • other serious health problems
  • intra-articular injection within 6 weeks
  • total joint replacement of the large joints
  • use of beta-blockers
  • inability to complete the submaximal exercise test

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
SINGLE_GROUP
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
ExerciseAerobic and resistance exercise trainingExercise consists of 30 minutes of treadmill exercise at approximately 85% of heart rate max and 2 sets of 6 resistance weight lifting exercises resulting in volitional fatigue at 12 to 15 repetitions.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Tender Joint Count12 Weeks
Swollen Joint Count12 Weeks
Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Pain (visual Analog Scale)12 Weeks
50 Foot Walk Test12 Weeks
Patient Global Assessment12 Weeks
Modified-Health Assessment Questionnaire12 Weeks
Estimated Aerobic Capacity (VO2max)12 weeks
SF-3612 Weeks
Practitioner Global Assessment12 Weeks
Timed-Stands Test12 Weeks

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Physical Activity Lab, University of Nebraska Omaha

🇺🇸

Omaha, Nebraska, United States

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