Aerobic Exercise Called Safe for RA Patients

(June 25, 2010) - If you have rheumatoid arthritis (Read about "Rheumatoid Arthritis") don't be afraid to get out and exercise. (Read about "Getting Started on Fitness") A team of researchers say they have determined that cardio-respiratory aerobic exercise is safe for patients with stable rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The team found that RA patients who exercised regularly had improved function, less joint pain, and greater quality of life.

RA, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by swollen joints, pain, stiffness, fatigue, and general malaise affects up to 1 percent of the global population, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) citing health-related quality of life (HRQL) studies found that RA patients were 40 percent more likely to report fair or poor general health and twice as likely to have a health-related activity limitation compared with those without arthritis.

The team analyzed 14 studies and meta-analysis included 510 patients in the intervention group and 530 in the control group.

"Our results show that patients with stable RA would benefit from regular aerobic exercise," said Athan Baillet, MD, the lead researcher. "Cardio-respiratory conditioning appears safe and its effects, while small, help to reduce joint pain and improve function."