High-Intensity Interval Training for Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Annelie Bilberg, Kaisa Mannerkorpi, Mats Borjesson, Sara Svedlund, Jenny Sivertsson, Eva Klingberg, Jan Bjersing
Primary Institution: University of Gothenburg Sahlgrenska Academy
Hypothesis
Does high-intensity interval training improve cardiovascular health and physical fitness in patients with rheumatoid arthritis?
Conclusion
High-intensity interval training and strength exercise significantly improved cardiovascular health and physical fitness in patients with rheumatoid arthritis without worsening pain or disease activity.
Supporting Evidence
- Patients in the intervention group showed a significant improvement in VO2max.
- Waist circumference decreased significantly in the intervention group.
- Overall health ratings improved significantly for the intervention group.
Takeaway
Doing short bursts of really hard exercise can help people with arthritis feel better and get stronger without making their pain worse.
Methodology
A multicentre randomised controlled trial with 87 patients assigned to either high-intensity interval training or a control group for 12 weeks.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to self-reported physical activity in the control group.
Limitations
The study primarily included women and had a small number of male participants, which may limit generalizability.
Participant Demographics
87 patients, 86% female, aged 20–60 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.0001
Confidence Interval
95% CI 2.16 to 5.25
Statistical Significance
p<0.0001
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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