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Completed

NCT Number: NCT00792675

Effect of Exercise on the Disease Activity of Rheumatoid Arthritis

This study will evaluate the effect of exercise on the number of swollen and tender joints associated with rheumatoid arthritis after a 12 week exercise program of treadmill walking and weightlifting.

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Key information

Conditions

Rheumatoid Arthritis Arthritis Arthritis, Rheumatoid Autoimmune Diseases Behavior Connective Tissue Diseases Immune System Diseases Inflammation Joint Diseases Motor Activity Musculoskeletal Diseases Pathologic Processes Pathological Conditions, Signs and Symptoms Rheumatic Diseases Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases

Age range

19 year–65 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Physical Activity Lab, University of Nebraska Omaha

Omaha, Nebraska, 69189-4420, United States

About this study

The goal of this study was to evaluate the effect of exercise on the number of swollen and tender joints associated with rheumatoid arthritis. It was hypothesized that persons would have less inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis after a 12 week exercise program of treadmill walking and weighlifting. Immune parameters were measured to determine potential mechanisms responsible for changes in inflammation with exercise.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: Yes

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • a diagnosis of RA according to the ACR 1989 Criteria at least 6 months prior to enrollment in the study, but not longer than 12 years
  • age 19 to 65 years old
  • stable regimen of medication for 2 months with less than 10 mg/day of oral corticosteroids
  • currently exercise < 2x/week for less than 30 minutes at less than 60% of his/her age predicted maximum heart rate
  • Subjects must pass the Physical Activity Readiness Scale Questionnaire (PAR-Q)

Exclusion criteria

  • other serious health problems
  • intra-articular injection within 6 weeks
  • total joint replacement of the large joints
  • use of beta-blockers
  • inability to complete the submaximal exercise test

Treatment and study plan

Aerobic and resistance exercise training

Other

Exercise was performed 3 times per week. It consisted of 30 minutes of treadmill exercise at approximately 85% of heartrate max and 2 sets of 6 resistance weight lifting exercises resulting in volitional fatigue at 12 to 15 repetitions.

Primary outcomes

  1. Swollen Joint Count

    Time frame: 12 Weeks

  2. Tender Joint Count

    Time frame: 12 Weeks

Secondary outcomes

  1. Pain (visual Analog Scale)

    Time frame: 12 Weeks

  2. Modified-Health Assessment Questionnaire

    Time frame: 12 Weeks

  3. Estimated Aerobic Capacity (VO2max)

    Time frame: 12 weeks

  4. SF-36

    Time frame: 12 Weeks

  5. Patient Global Assessment

    Time frame: 12 Weeks

  6. Practitioner Global Assessment

    Time frame: 12 Weeks

  7. Timed-Stands Test

    Time frame: 12 Weeks

  8. 50 Foot Walk Test

    Time frame: 12 Weeks

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

University of Nebraska

Other

Collaborators

  • Arthritis Foundation
  • Nebraska Chapter Arthritis Foundation

Registry information

Official study title

Evaluation of the Effect of Exercise on Disease Activity and Immune Parameters in Persons With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Acronym: RA&Ex

Important dates

Study start
2003
Primary completion
2006
Study completion
2006
First posted
Nov 18, 2008
Registry last updated
Aug 30, 2023

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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