Comparison of the Effectiveness of Functional Training Versus Resistance Exercises in Patients With Psoriatic Arthritis

The Functional Training Group (FT) used elastic bands and the Resistance Exercise Group (RE) used weight training machines. The FT patients performed functional training and RE performed resistance exercises for the following muscles group: upper limbs, lower limbs and trunk. It was used a machine "leg extension" for the training on the lower limbs. For upper limbs the investigators used a pulley triceps machine and front pull in addition to free weights (dumbbells).

In order to perform the exercise program, the study followed all the recommendations established by the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) (Ratamess et al., 2009). It was carried out two exercises for major muscle groups and one exercise for small muscles. The exercises were divided in 3 sets of 12 repetitions for each muscle group. The intensity of the exercises was 60% of one-maximum repetition (1RM).

The exercise program involved pectoral exercises: crucifix and seat supine; biceps: alternated screw; triceps: triceps pulley; back: standing handsaw and pulled ahead; quadriceps: leg extensor and finally gluteus: standing hips extension.

The patients were instructed to maintain their daily activities and to avoid any other nonpharmacological treatment.

Inclusion criteria

Confirmed diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis, according to the CASPAR criteria

• Between 18 and 65 years of age, of both genders who agreed and signed the consent form.
• Patients should be-modifying drugs (DMARDs) on stable doses for at least three months and doses of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroids stable for at least 4 weeks

Exclusion criteria

• Patients were excluded:

• Uncontrolled cardiovascular disease
• Decompensated diabetes mellitus; diseases
• Severe psychiatric
• Fibromyalgia
• Other medical conditions that most disabling EA
• History of regular exercise (at least 30 minutes 2 times per week) during the last 6 months
• Arthroplasties of the hip and / or knee in the last 12 months; AND
• Any other medical condition that prevents the patient from performing resistance exercises