The effects of knee extensor and flexor muscle training on the timed-up-and-go test in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis.
OBJECTIVE
Rheumatoid arthritis frequently results in functional impairment. This study investigated the effect of a specific exercise regimen on function.


METHODS
A randomized controlled assessor-blinded (N = 36) compared the effect of knee extensor and flexor muscle training on pain, the timed up and go (TUG) test and the Health Assessment Questionnaire in subjects with non-acute rheumatoid arthritis.


RESULTS
Knee extensor and flexor muscle training increased isokinetic torques at speeds of 60 degrees/sec-1 and 120 degrees/sec-1 as measured by an isokinetic dynamometer (p = 0.02-0.003). The experimental group experienced a reduction in pain (p = 0.03), an improvement in TUG time (p = 0.01) and in function as measured by the Health Assessment Questionnaire (p = 0.04).


CONCLUSIONS
Specific knee muscle training can be administered safely in people with non-acute rheumatoid arthritis, and may produce functional benefits.
McMeeken
J
J
School of Physiotherapy, University of Melbourne, Australia. j.mcmeeken@physio.unimelb.edu.au
Stillman
B
B
Story
I
I
Kent
P
P
Smith
J
J
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009068:Movement / Q000502:physiology; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology; D010147:Pain Measurement; D019415:Torque