The Effects of a Six-week Exercise Programme Undertaken by Women With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid Arthritis, Physical Activity
About this trial
This is an interventional treatment trial for Rheumatoid Arthritis focused on measuring Aerobic exercise, Strength training, Inflammation, cardiovascular disease
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria:
- Female
- Age 18-69
- Non-smokers
- Diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis for greater than 12 months
- Stable Disease modifying medication for the preceding three months
- Functional capacity class I-II
- Able to use an exercise bicycle
- Willing to exercise twice-weekly on a fixed schedule
- Available for eight weeks between May and September 2016
Exclusion Criteria:
- Cardiovascular disease (i.e. coronary heart disease, previous heart attack, angina, stroke or uncontrolled hypertension)
- Major psychiatric illness, such as schizophrenia or major depression
- A prosthetic hip or knee joint.
Sites / Locations
- Musgrave Park Hospital, Belfast health and social care trust.
Arms of the Study
Arm 1
Arm 2
Experimental
No Intervention
Intervention group
Control group
Participants, who have been randomly assigned to the intervention group, will take part in a six-week supervised exercise training programme. This programme takes place in a rehabilitation gymnasium. The exercise programme consists of two group sessions per week (scheduled for evenings, after typical working hours, approximately 12 patients per session). Each session lasts for approximately 70 minutes and includes a 5 minute warm up, 30 minutes of aerobic cycling exercise, 30 minutes of strength training, and a 5 minute cool down. Participants will also perform a 30 minute walk each weekend as part of the intervention.
Participants who have been randomly assigned to the control group will not undertake the exercise intervention. These participants are instructed to maintain their usual lifestyle.