DOES DISEASE LIMIT THE BENEFITS OF PHYSICAL CONDITIONING IN INDIVIDUALS WITH ARTHRITIS?

Abstract

479 The physical disability of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can lead to sedentary lifestyles that contribute to decreases in cardiovascular capacity and muscular strength. It would appear that an exercise intervention would be particularly useful in this population, however it remains under debate if the disease limits the benefits of physical conditioning. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the training response of individuals with RA and osteoarthritis (OA) to a 12-wk strength and conditioning program. Subjects were 15 women ages 55-71 (mean = 63), 9 RAs and 6 OAs. The training was 3x/week and consisted of walking, stretching, and a 17-station strength circuit with free-weights and therabands. A weekly average of walking distance, and training volume per session for 7 exercises from the circuit (4 upper body, 3 lower body) were determined for the first 5 weeks. Distance and time walked increased significantly across time (p<0.0001) in both RAs and OAs. Both RAs and OAs showed significant increases in volume/session for the seven circuit exercises (p<.0001). However, RAs appeared to plateau sooner in 3 of the 4 upper body exercises (p<.05), probably due to differences in range of motion. RAs and OAs showed significant improvements pre to post(p<.01) for balance, squats, 0.5 mi walk, and sit-n-reach Furthermore, subjects showed significant decreases in fatigue and depression (p<.05) as measured by the POMS. We conclude that individuals with arthritis (OA and RA) respond well to an aggressive exercise program with benefits far outweighing the risks.