Tailored physical therapy can reduce fatigue for people with rheumatoid arthritis

A person-centred approach to physical therapy can help relieve the chronic fatigue often experienced by people with rheumatoid arthritis, says a small study published in the Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.

Physical therapy is the US equivalent to physiotherapy.
The benefits of a 12-week intervention, with a six-month follow-up, focused on 36 people with rheumatoid arthritis who worked with physical therapists to devise bespoke health-enhancing physical activity programmes and balanced life activities.

They were compared with 34 people who continued with their regular activities. Both groups received usual care for their condition.

Fatigue levels and factors such as disease activity, health and functional outcomes were assessed.

Results

-General fatigue levels improved more in the intervention group than in the comparison group;
-Trends toward improvements were recorded for most aspects of fatigue, including leg strength and endurance and capacity for physical activity;
-People felt less tired when carrying out daily activities, so felt more self-sufficient and developed a more positive outlook on their own health status;
-Physical therapy had a positive impact on anxiety levels.

“Fatigue in people with rheumatoid arthritis can come about without warning, sometimes leading to exhaustion and inability to go about daily life effectively for hours or even an entire day,” says Dr Katherine Free from Arthritis Research UK. “There are many causes of fatigue, but physical activity is one way whereby people with rheumatoid arthritis can begin to manage it, thus improving their ability to do everyday activities. By taking an approach personalised to each individual, this study has shown the benefit of helping people to find a balance between resting and exercise.”

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Image credit: Vic