Muscle relaxation training and quality of life in rheumatoid arthritis. A randomized controlled clinical trial.
The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of supervised muscle relaxation training in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Sixty-eight participants were allocated at random either to a muscle relaxation training group or to a control group. Every participant was evaluated for health-related quality of life, muscle function, pain, and disease activity. The training group exercised 30 minutes, twice a week for 10 weeks, while no intervention was made in the control group. The results indicated improvements in the training group regarding self-care according to the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales 2, and in recreation and pastimes according to the Sickness Impact Profile-RA (p < 0.05) directly after the intervention. Mobility and arm function (p < 0.01) according to the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales 2, and muscle function of the lower limbs (p < 0.05) were improved after six months. No improvements remained after twelve months. It thus seems that 10 weeks' relaxation training might have some short-term influence in individuals with RA.
Lundgren
S
S
Department of Physiotherapy, Rosenhäll, Uddevalla, Sweden.
Stenström
C H
CH
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009126:Muscle Relaxation / Q000502:physiology*; D010146:Pain / Q000503:physiopathology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011788:Quality of Life; D012064:Relaxation Therapy; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires