Effects and problems of locomotion training for elderly patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

【Objective】The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of locomotion training on physical function and disease activity in elderly patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

【Subjects and Methods】Locomotion training was performed on 30 rheumatoid arthritis patients aged 60 years and older, and lower limb muscle strength, 10-m walking time, Timed Up-and-Go（TUG）test, 2-step values, and disease activity were compared between baseline and 3 months after the start of training.

【Results】During locomotion training, three patients had worsening arthralgia, so training was discontinued. Another patient discontinued training due to trauma unrelated to training. Finally, 26 patients were able to continue locomotion training for 3 months. The strength of hip abductor muscle increased significantly from 37.5 N to 40.5 N（P<0.001）. The 10-m walking time significantly decreased from 7.83 to 7.42 seconds（P=0.026）, and TUG test significantly decreased from 8.28 to 8.06 seconds（P=0.012）. On the other hand, CRP and SDAI were unchanged between baseline and 3 months, and there was no worsening of disease activity.

【Conclusion】Locomotion training may improve physical function and not worsen disease activity in elderly patients with rheumatoid arthritis.