Eeffects of exercise on joint health in RA | Arthritis Information
Perceptions of the effects of exercise on joint health in rheumatoid arthritis patients
Abstract
Objectives. Exercise is important in RA management. However, RA patients are less active than the general population. This qualitative study explores the perceptions of patients regarding the effects of exercise on joint health.
Methods. A purposive sample of 12 female and 6 male RA outpatients [age: 23–76 years; disease duration: 2.5 months to 33 years; HAQ score: 0–2.13] participated in four moderated focus groups. The main questions addressed were: (i) How do you feel exercise affects your joints?; and (ii) What affects your exercise behaviour? Transcriptions were independently analysed with 455 meaning units identified. An inductive, thematic analysis was conducted using established techniques. Discussion with a third analyst contributed to consensus validation.
Results. Sixteen constructs emerged, clustering into five themes, reflecting the issues relating to exercise and joint health in RA patients. Emergent themes were: ‘health professionals showing a lack of exercise knowledge’, ‘not knowing what exercise should be done’, ‘worry about causing harm to joints’, ‘not wanting to exercise as joints hurt’ and ‘having to exercise because it is helpful’.
Conclusions. RA patients demonstrated awareness of the advantages of exercise for their joints, both experientially and through education. However, they perceived that health professionals lacked certainty and clarity regarding specific exercise recommendations and the occurrence of joint damage. Thus, to enhance patient-centred exercise prescription in the RA population, uncertainties surrounding joint health, pain symptoms and exercise specificity need to be addressed, alongside continual emphasis of exercise benefits.
Snow, so right that what works for one might damage another. I have a friend who is always harping on me "yoga helps my RA!" I can see how and I see her benefits but with my degree of joint damge power yoga is an absolute no-no.
I am still enjoying my QiGong videos though, and that mode of exercise I believe is beneficial for all of us. Simple, gentle, range of motion exercises that also calm the central nervous system. I'm finding a huge stress component and this QiGong has been like a salve for my joints.
I practice yoga two times per week. Somtimes I don't feel like going because of joint pain, I go anyway and always feel better. Sometimes I have to "take it easy", but it most always does the trick
gutch
Can you do the down dogs and chatturangas, Gutch? My wrists won't let me do that part. I can do other forms of yoga, not vinyasa or anything with pressure on the wrists/hands. Green-Tara, I have trouble with my wrists too. I usually keep my hands fisted. It sort of helps. Some days I have to let it go and do something else.
Exercising in a warm pool is one of the best ways to exercise, of course finding a facility that is nearby or with convenient hours can be a challenge. Another challenge is trying to get out of a wet, clinging bathsuit with arthritic hands!!
Joie2010-10-07 18:37:44I exercise as much as possible. On the days when my wrists hurt I don't lift weights, etc. My rhumy ecourage exercise when possible. Some days it is and some days it isn't. Every little bit you can do helps. I have never tried yoga. Would like to some day.
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