The Winning Edge 2008
Sports Nutrition Conference

The BEST Exercise Program for Osteoporosis Prevention

Rheumatoid Arthritis Study

The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of a 4 month supervised, individualized, strength training exercise program in men and women aged 20-55 with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), who were taking the medication Remicade?.   Remicade? has proven to be superior to conventional drug therapy in its ability to not only control RA symptoms, but to prevent cartilage degradation and the development of bony erosions.  Researchers at the University of Arizona hypothesized that a strength training exercise program for people with RA would demonstrate improvements in strength, physical function (joint range of motion and endurance) and quality of life outcomes (self-esteem, depression, fatigue), while strength training and Remicade? therapies would demonstrate additive effects.   The majority of previous exercise studies completed in the RA population include only aerobic, non-weight bearing or partially weight bearing exercises, with few resistance or strength training studies.  No studies to date have appropriately individualized a strength training program to the function and fitness level of the person with RA to allow for optimal progress and promotion of long-term compliance, in spite of changes that may occur in disease status.  This study is the first continuously supervised, individualized, intensive, isotonic strength training program with the largest sample size yet studied in the rheumatoid population. 

Results showed that high-intensity strength training in 24 RA patients with varying levels of disease activity and joint damage, produced significant improvements in disability and overall positively impacted function, quality of life, pain, and disease activity. This intensive program was well-tolerated with no detrimental effects on disease activity.

Continuous and significant gains in strength were also seen during the 16-week program, producing positive impacts on strength, bone mineral density, and soft tissue.

Given these positive results, more research is indicated in order to determine the type and dose (intensity, frequency and duration) of strength training necessary for successful, long-term results on physical function and quality of life outcomes in larger and more diverse populations. 

For More Information Contact:
Dr. Scott Going
University of Arizona
(520) 626-2639
going@u.arizona.edu