title: Feasibility of an eight-week dance-based exercise program and its effects on locomotor ability of persons with functional class III rheumatoid arthritis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The main objectives of this experimental case series were to evaluate the feasibility of a modified dance-based exercise program with low ground impacts in persons with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) functional class III and to describe its effects on locomotor ability. The relationship between 3 locomotor tests and their responsiveness also were addressed.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ten female subjects participated in an 8-week exercise program. Locomotor ability was measured before and after the program using the 50-foot test of walking time, the 6-minute test of walking distance, and the locomotion biomechanical analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All subjects showed a high compliance (92.5% presence at sessions) over the 8 weeks of exercise without any aggravation in disease status. They were able to train efficiently at moderate intensity up to 25 minutes. Significant improvements were found in locomotor ability, with a higher responsiveness measured by the locomotion biomechanical analysis, followed by the 6-minute gait test and the 50-foot gait test. Inconsistent relationships between tests suggested that different locomotor abilities are required during tests.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results support the feasibility of a modified dance-based exercise program for persons with severe RA. With high levels of responsiveness, the detailed biomechanical analysis and the 6-minute gait test are recommended for the assessment of locomotor ability.
authors.affiliation: Quebec Rehabilitation Institute, Department of Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Moffet
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Noreau
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Parent
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Drolet
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000145:classification / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003615:Dancing; D005080:Exercise Test; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005684:Gait; D006801:Humans; D007866:Leg / Q000503:physiopathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology; D010809:Physical Fitness; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016138:Walking