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NCT Number: NCT07487779

Efficacy of Structured Progressive Training Exercise on Muscle Strength of Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

This study aims to find out if a specific exercise program helps patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). RA is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes pain, weakness, and reduced function in the joints and muscles. While medication is common, exercise is also important for management.

The study will test a program called "Progressive Resistance Training." About 118 adult patients with RA at AL-Najaf Teaching Hospital will participate. They will be divided into two groups. One group will perform specific resistance exercises for six weeks, while the other group will continue their usual care without this specific training.

The researchers will measure muscle strength, cardiovascular function, and energy levels before and after the six-week program. The goal is to determine if this exercise improves muscle strength and helps patients perform daily activities more efficiently. The study hopes to show that resistance training is a safe and effective way to improve quality of life for people with RA.

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Key information

Conditions

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) Arthritis Arthritis, Rheumatoid Autoimmune Diseases Connective Tissue Diseases Immune System Diseases Joint Diseases Musculoskeletal Diseases Rheumatic Diseases Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases

Age range

18 year and older

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

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

Inclusion criteria

Diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis according to American College of Rheumatology criteria
Age 18-65 years
Both genders eligible
Disease duration of at least 6 months
Stable medication regimen for at least 3 months before study
Mild to moderate disease activity
Able to walk independently with or without assistive devices
Willing and able to provide informed consent
Agree to participate in the exercise program for 6 weeks
Attending AL-Najaf Teaching Hospital for RA management

Exclusion criteria

Severe cardiovascular disease (unstable angina, recent MI, severe heart failure)
Other inflammatory arthritis (psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, lupus)-
Recent joint surgery or fracture within the past 6 months
Severe osteoporosis with fracture risk
Pregnancy
Severe cognitive impairment preventing participation
Uncontrolled hypertension (BP >180/110 mmHg)
Active infection or fever at baseline
Severe joint damage preventing exercise participation
Participation in another exercise program during the study period
Neuromuscular disorders affecting muscle function

Treatment and study plan

Progressive resistance training

Other

Progressive Resistance Training (PRT) program for patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. The intervention consists of supervised resistance exercises targeting major muscle groups of upper and lower extremities.

Program Details:

Duration: 6 weeks
Frequency: 3 sessions per week
Session duration: 45-60 minutes
Setting: AL-Najaf Teaching Hospital

Exercise Components:

Warm-up exercises (10 minutes)
Resistance training using resistance bands, light weights, and body weight exercises (30-40 minutes)
Cool-down and stretching (10 minutes)

Progression Method:

Intensity starts at 40-50% of maximum capacity
Gradually increases to 60-70% over 6 weeks
Repetitions: 8-12 per set
Sets: 2-3 sets per exercise
Exercises adjusted based on individual tolerance and disease activity

Supervision: Trained physical therapist/nurse supervision with regular monitoring of pain levels, fatigue, and joint swelling.

The program is designed specifically for RA patients with mild to moderate

Primary outcomes

Change in Muscle Strength from Baseline to 6 Weeks

Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks post-intervention

Muscle strength will be measured using manual muscle testing or dynamometer for upper and lower extremities

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Mohammed Hakim Shamran

CONTACT

[email protected]

+9647809417841

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Kufa University

Other

Registry information

Acronym: RA

Important dates

Study start: 2026
Primary completion: 2026
Study completion: 2026
First posted: Mar 23, 2026
Registry last updated: Apr 1, 2026

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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