Study: Weight Training for Rheumatoid Arthritis Better At Moderate to High Intensity

People who train with weights to strengthen muscles weakened by rheumatoid arthritis achieve better results at moderate to high intensity, according to a study in the March issue of Current Opinions in Rheumatology.

Muscle weakness is common in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and strength training is considered to be an important cornerstone of the non-drug treatment. However, training methods have varied widely in previous studies.

Dr. Arja Hakkinen of Central Hospital in Jyvaskyla, Finland, reviewed a number of these studies to see if intensity mattered in improving muscle strength in such patients. He found that moderate- or high- intensity weight training programs strengthened muscles better in rheumatoid arthritis patients than low-intensity programs.

Hakkinen noted training at a higher intensity has been found to be safe and well-tolerated as well as effective in increasing or maintaining muscle strength in such patients with no deleterious effects on disease activity and pain.

"The type of exercises, intensity and frequency of training are key factors in the effectiveness of training," concluded Hakkinen. "It is, however, essential to maintain the training routine to obtain long-term benefits from it."

Hakkinen added that more study is needed regarding the long-term effects of strength training on functional capacity, bone mineral density and radiologic progression.

Other sources: Current Opinions in Rheumatolology 2004 Mar;16(2):132-7