A randomized controlled trial of center-based and home-based exercise programs among patients with rheumatoid arthritis

ABSTRACT

Background@#Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients benefit from aerobic and strengthening exercises. @*Objective@#To compare the effectiveness of a home exercise program against center-based aerobic and strengthening exercises on the grip strength, endurance, function, and fatigue among patients with RA. @*Methodology@#In this assessor-blind, randomized trial, 50 RA patients were assigned to either center-based physical therapy (CPT) or home exercise program (HEP) that included aerobic and strengthening exercises performed for four weeks. The grip strength, 6-minute walk test (6MWT), health assessment questionnaire disability index (HAQ-DI), and the multidimensional assessment of fatigue (MAF) index were determined at weeks 0 (baseline), 2 and 4 weeks.