Can progressive resistance training reverse cachexia in patients with rheumatoid arthritis? Results of a pilot study.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

. A Phase II trial was performed as a preliminary test of the efficacy and safety of progressive resistance training (PRT) as adjunct treatment for rheumatoid cachexia.

METHODS:

Ten mildly disabled patients with well-controlled rheumatoid arthritis (RA) trained, on average, 2.5 times per week for 12 weeks. Ten age and sex matched RA patients with similar disease characteristics were non-randomly assigned to a control group. Body composition, physical function, and disease activity were assessed pre and post intervention period.

RESULTS:

Between group comparisons at followup by ANCOVA using baseline scores as covariate showed significant increases in fat-free mass (+1253 g, p = 0.004), total body protein (+1063 g, p = 0.044), and arm (+280 g, p = 0.005) and leg (+839 g, p = 0.001) lean mass (a proxy measure of total body skeletal muscle mass) in response to PRT with no exacerbation of disease activity. There was also a trend for loss of fat mass in the trunk (-752 g, p = 0.084) and a significant reduction in percent body fat (-1.1%, p = 0.047). Changes in body composition were associated with improvements in various measures of physical function.

CONCLUSION:

Intense PRT with adequate volume seems to be an effective and safe intervention for stimulating muscle growth in patients with RA. Pending confirmation of these results in a larger randomized controlled trial that includes patients with more active and severe disease, a similar PRT program should be included in the management of RA as adjunct treatment for cachexia.

• Authors: Samuele M Marcora, Andrew B Lemmey, Peter J Maddison
• Journal: The Journal of rheumatology (J Rheumatol) Vol. 32 Issue 6 Pg. 1031-9 (Jun 2005) ISSN: 0315-162X [Print] Canada
• PMID: 15940763 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Clinical Trial, Phase II, Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)

Topics

• Arthritis, Rheumatoid (complications, physiopathology, therapy)
• Body Composition (physiology)
• Cachexia (complications, physiopathology, therapy)
• Exercise Therapy
• Female
• Health Status
• Humans
• Isotonic Contraction
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Muscle, Skeletal (growth & development)
• Pilot Projects
• Severity of Illness Index
• Surveys and Questionnaires
• Treatment Outcome