Effects of a personalized exercise program on physical function in older patients with rheumatoid arthritis at high risk of sarcopenia: results of a randomized controlled trial

Background Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at a higher risk for sarcopenia than the general population. Exercise therapy can improve muscle strength in older adults; however, its efficacy in older patients with RA has not been fully established. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of a personalized exercise program on physical function in older patients with RA at high risk for sarcopenia. Methods A single-centre, parallel-group, two-arm, superiority randomized controlled trial was conducted in patients with RA aged 60–85 years who were at risk of sarcopenia. The intervention group ( n = 69) underwent a 16-week personalized exercise program in addition to nutritional guidance and standard care, whereas the control group ( n = 65) received only nutritional guidance and standard care. The primary outcome was the change in the total Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) scores from baseline to week 16. Results A total of 140 patients were randomized. Of these, 134 initiated the assigned intervention. There was a 0.2-point difference in SPPB total score from baseline to week 16 between the intervention group (+ 0.4 points) and the control group (+ 0.2 points); 95% confidence interval: -0.1 to 0.5; p = 0.206. Regarding the secondary outcomes at week 16, there was a tendency for improvement in the chair-stand test, grip strength, and the mental component score. Conclusion The 16-week personalized exercise therapy did not improve the total SPPB scores. However, the intervention may improve standing ability, grip strength, and mental health-related quality of life in older patients with RA at high risk of sarcopenia. Trial registration This study was registered with UMINCTR (trial number: UMIN000044930).