Efficacy of Structured Progressive Training Exercise on Muscle Strength of Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis
For patients and families
In plain language
An automatic summary of structured registry data. It is an orientation aid, not a substitute for the official protocol or a physician assessment.
- What is being studied
- The protocol lists: Progressive Resistance Training.
- Who it may be relevant to
- Registry conditions: Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). Basic parameters: from 18 years · All.
- What needs checking
- Age, condition and sex are only basic indicators. Prior treatment, laboratory values and other mandatory requirements appear in the eligibility criteria below.
- Where it takes place
- Center list to be confirmed — check the primary protocol.
- Next step
- Save the trial, show it to the treating physician, and confirm current recruitment with the study center. Costs, documents and travel →
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Overview
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
- Other Progressive 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-
Primary outcome measures
- Change in Muscle Strength from Baseline to 6 Weeks [Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks post-intervention]
Eligibility criteria
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
Criteria are shown verbatim from the registry (in English). Final eligibility is always assessed by the study center.
Healthy volunteers: No
Study design
- Allocation
- Non-randomized
- Model
- Parallel assignment
- Masking
- Single blind
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
Study locations
Center list to be confirmed — check the primary protocol.
Identifiers
NCT: NCT07487779 · Kufa-2026-01