Effects of a Modified Dance-Based Exercise on Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Psychological State and Health Status of Persons With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Cardiorespiratory function and exercise tolerance appear very limited in persons with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Many studies have demonstrated that aerobic exercise training is beneficial to prevent physical deconditioning without inducing adverse effects on an individual's joints and general health. The present study was conducted to demonstrate that a dance-based exercise program is a safe and efficient activity to improve physical fitness and psychological state in persons with RA. A group of 19 persons (mean age, 49.3 +/- 13 yr) participated in a 12-wk exercise program (twice weekly), whereas 10 persons (mean age, 49.4 +/- 12 yr) served as controls. Health status, use of medication, joint pain and swelling, physical fitness, activity of daily living and psychological state were assessed at baseline, after the 12-wk training program and 6 mo after the end of the program. Exercise training induced a mean improvement of 13% in aerobic power, with the highest values reaching 40%. No significant changes were observed in joint status, even though the count of painful joints tended to decrease in the exercise group. Positive changes in depression, anxiety, fatigue and tension were observed after the 12-wk exercise program. These findings provide some evidences in favor of aerobic exercise in individuals with RA. Furthermore, it is of primary interest to note that a weight-bearing activity with limited ground impacts do not provoke short-term adverse effects on joint status. Further studies, however, are required to determine the long-term effect of weight-bearing exercise on the health status of individuals with RA.