Effects of a Group-Based Exercise and Educational Program on Physical Performance and Disease Self- Management in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Randomized Controlled Study.

Autor: Breedland, Ineke, van Scheppingen, Corinne, Leijsma, Martha, Verheij-Jansen, Nienke P., van Weert, Ellen
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Zdroj: Physical Therapy; Jun2011, Vol. 91 Issue 6, p879-893, 15p, 1 Diagram, 4 Charts
Abstrakt: Background. Evidence supports the use of educational and physical training programs for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Objective. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of a group-based exercise and educational program on the physical performance and disease self-management of people with RA. Design. This was a randomized controlled trial. Setting. The study was conducted at a rehabilitation center in the Netherlands. Participants. Thirty-four people diagnosed with RA participated in the study. Participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (n=19) or a waiting list control group (n=15). Intervention. The intervention in this study was an 8-week, multidisciplinary, group therapy program for people with RA, consisting of physical exercise designed to increase aerobic capacity and muscle strength (force-generating capacity) together with an educational program to improve health status and self-efficacy for disease-self-management. Measurements. The main outcome measures were maximum oxygen uptake (VO2max), muscle strength of the elbow and knee flexors and extensors, health status, and perceived self-efficacy. All data were recorded before intervention in week 1, after intervention in week 9, and at follow-up in week 22. Results. The intervention group showed significant improvement (12.1%) in VO2max at week 9 compared with the control group (-1.7%). Although significant within-group changes were found over time for muscle strength of the upper and lower extremities and health status that favored the intervention group, no between-group changes were found regarding these outcomes. Limitations. An important limitation was the small number of participants included in our study, which may have resulted in a lack of power. Conclusions. The present group-based exercise and educational program for people with RA had a beneficial effect on aerobic capacity but not on muscle strength, health status, or self-efficacy. INSET: The Bottom Line. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Databáze: Complementary Index