Efficacy of Structured Progressive Training Exercise on Muscle Strength of Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

N/ANot Yet RecruitingNCT07487779

Kufa University118 enrolled

Overview

This study aims to find out if a specific exercise program helps patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). RA is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes pain, weakness, and reduced function in the joints and muscles. While medication is common, exercise is also important for management. The study will test a program called "Progressive Resistance Training." About 118 adult patients with RA at AL-Najaf Teaching Hospital will participate. They will be divided into two groups. One group will perform specific resistance exercises for six weeks, while the other group will continue their usual care without this specific training. The researchers will measure muscle strength, cardiovascular function, and energy levels before and after the six-week program. The goal is to determine if this exercise improves muscle strength and helps patients perform daily activities more efficiently. The study hopes to show that resistance training is a safe and effective way to improve quality of life for people with RA.

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Allocation

NON_RANDOMIZED

Purpose

SUPPORTIVE_CARE

Masking

SINGLE

Enrollment

118

Conditions

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Interventions

Progressive Resistance Training (PRT) program for patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. The intervention consists of supervised resistance exercises targeting major muscle groups of upper and lower extremities. Program Details: * Duration: 6 weeks * Frequency: 3 sessions per week * Session duration: 45-60 minutes * Setting: AL-Najaf Teaching Hospital Exercise Components: * Warm-up exercises (10 minutes) * Resistance training using resistance bands, light weights, and body weight exercises (30-40 minutes) * Cool-down and stretching (10 minutes) Progression Method: * Intensity starts at 40-50% of maximum capacity * Gradually increases to 60-70% over 6 weeks * Repetitions: 8-12 per set * Sets: 2-3 sets per exercise * Exercises adjusted based on individual tolerance and disease activity Supervision: Trained physical therapist/nurse supervision with regular monitoring of pain levels, fatigue, and joint swelling. The program is designed specifically for RA patients with mild to moderate

Eligibility

Sex: ALLMin age: 18 Years

Medical Language ↔ Plain English

Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis according to American College of Rheumatology criteria * Age 18-65 years * Both genders eligible * Disease duration of at least 6 months * Stable medication regimen for at least 3 months before study * Mild to moderate disease activity * Able to walk independently with or without assistive devices * Willing and able to provide informed consent * Agree to participate in the exercise program for 6 weeks * Attending AL-Najaf Teaching Hospital for RA management Exclusion Criteria: * Severe cardiovascular disease (unstable angina, recent MI, severe heart failure) * Other inflammatory arthritis (psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, lupus)- * Recent joint surgery or fracture within the past 6 months * Severe osteoporosis with fracture risk * Pregnancy * Severe cognitive impairment preventing participation * Uncontrolled hypertension (BP \>180/110 mmHg) * Active infection or fever at baseline * Severe joint damage preventing exercise participation * Participation in another exercise program during the study period * Neuromuscular disorders affecting muscle function

Outcomes

Primary Outcomes

Change in Muscle Strength from Baseline to 6 Weeks

Muscle strength will be measured using manual muscle testing or dynamometer for upper and lower extremities

Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks post-intervention