Safe and effective isokinetic knee extension training in rheumatoid arthritis.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the safety of isokinetic knee extensor strength training, and its effectiveness with regard to knee extension, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).


METHODS
Nine women with RA, all in functional stage II or III, underwent a low-intensity strengthening protocol with 48 repetitions at 50% of maximal voluntary contraction, 3 times per week for 3 weeks, using an isokinetic dynamometer.


RESULTS
Five patients had knee synovitis at entry; but neither synovitis nor joint pain increased. The mean gain in strength was 21%.


CONCLUSIONS
This training method was effective and safe in patients with RA.
Lyngberg
K K
KK
Department of Clinical Chemistry, Herlev University Hospital, Denmark.
Ramsing
B U
BU
Nawrocki
A
A
Harreby
M
M
Danneskiold-Samsøe
B
B
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D015444:Exercise; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000502:physiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology; D010806:Physical Education and Training; D013585:Synovitis / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation