Generally, aerobic exercise is beneficial and safe for Rheumatoid Arthritis patients.
Aerobic exercise has a certain alleviating effect on symptoms and has shown to improve functional ability, pain and aerobic capacity.
As a result, aerobic exercise should be encouraged, where possible, alongside traditional medical management of Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Context
The purpose of this meta-analysis was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of aerobic exercise for rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Methods
- Randomised controlled trials of the effectiveness and safety of aerobic exercise for rheumatoid arthritis were included.
A total of 13 RCTs were included, including 967 rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Meta-analyses were performed to investigate the effects of aerobic exercise on rheumatoid arthritis
Aerobic exercise interventions were performed at 50–90% of maximal heart rate, including walking, cycling and jogging.
Results
- The meta-analysis results showed that aerobic exercise can improve functional ability.
- There were statistically significant differences in:
– Pain relief
– Increased aerobic capacity
– Improvements to the sit to stand test - However, there is no substantial evidence to prove that aerobic exercise significantly affects the disease activity itself.
