Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
Conditions
Brief summary
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.
Interventions
OTHERProgressive Resistance Training
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
Sponsors
Kufa University
Study design
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
SINGLE (Subject)
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No
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
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Change in Muscle Strength from Baseline to 6 Weeks | Baseline and 6 weeks post-intervention | Muscle strength will be measured using manual muscle testing or dynamometer for upper and lower extremities |
Contacts
CONTACTMohammed Hakim Shamran
Outcome results
None listed