Regular exercise in the gym can help people with rheumatoid arthritis, reports Arthritis Care and Research.
According to a study involving 28 patients at Bangor and Gwynedd Hospital, 24-week strength training with weights made people with rheumatoid arthritis by 20-30%. more efficient and up to 120 percent stronger. Thanks to this, it was much easier for them to walk and perform everyday activities – their efficiency was equal to their peers who did not exercise. The effect lasted for 4 to 8 months after stopping exercise.
As the name suggests, rheaumatoid arthritis mainly affects the joints, but its lesser-known consequence is a reduction in muscle strength and mass, which further hinders normal functioning. Weak muscles are a problem for even well-treated patients.
Strenuous training increases the levels of insulin-like growth factor (1GF-1) and the insulin-like growth factor binding protein IGFBP-3, which promotes the growth of muscles, bones and cartilage. The authors of the study make a reservation that strength training is not appropriate for every patient – its use requires consultation with a doctor (PAP).