Efficacy of Structured Progressive Training Exercise on Muscle Strength of Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

NCT07487779 | Not Yet Recruiting

• 1 other identifier: Kufa-2026-01
• Study Type: interventional
• Target: 118
• Locations: 0 countries
• Sites: N/A

Brief Summary

This study aims to find out if a specific exercise program helps patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). RA is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes pain, weakness, and reduced function in the joints and muscles. While medication is common, exercise is also important for management. The study will test a program called "Progressive Resistance Training." About 118 adult patients with RA at AL-Najaf Teaching Hospital will participate. They will be divided into two groups. One group will perform specific resistance exercises for six weeks, while the other group will continue their usual care without this specific training. The researchers will measure muscle strength, cardiovascular function, and energy levels before and after the six-week program. The goal is to determine if this exercise improves muscle strength and helps patients perform daily activities more efficiently. The study hopes to show that resistance training is a safe and effective way to improve quality of life for people with RA.

Conditions

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Outcome Measures

Primary Outcomes (1)

• Change in Muscle Strength from Baseline to 6 Weeks

  Muscle strength will be measured using manual muscle testing or dynamometer for upper and lower extremities

  Baseline and 6 weeks post-intervention

Study Arms (2)

Progressive Resistance Training Group

ACTIVE COMPARATOR

Participants in this group will receive a supervised Progressive Resistance Training (PRT) program for 6 weeks. The intervention includes: * Resistance exercises 3 times per week * Sessions lasting 45-60 minutes each * Exercises targeting major muscle groups of upper and lower extremities * Use of resistance bands, light weights, and body weight exercises * Progressive intensity starting at 40-50% and increasing to 60-70% of maximum capacity * 8-12 repetitions per set, 2-3 sets per exercise * Supervised by trained physical therapist at AL-Najaf Teaching Hospital * Regular monitoring of pain, fatigue, and disease activity The program is designed to improve muscle strength in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis while maintaining safety and avoiding disease exacerbation.

Other: Progressive Resistance Training

Control Group - Standard Care

NO INTERVENTION

Interventions

Progressive Resistance Training OTHER

Progressive Resistance Training (PRT) program for patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. The intervention consists of supervised resistance exercises targeting major muscle groups of upper and lower extremities. Program Details: * Duration: 6 weeks * Frequency: 3 sessions per week * Session duration: 45-60 minutes * Setting: AL-Najaf Teaching Hospital Exercise Components: * Warm-up exercises (10 minutes) * Resistance training using resistance bands, light weights, and body weight exercises (30-40 minutes) * Cool-down and stretching (10 minutes) Progression Method: * Intensity starts at 40-50% of maximum capacity * Gradually increases to 60-70% over 6 weeks * Repetitions: 8-12 per set * Sets: 2-3 sets per exercise * Exercises adjusted based on individual tolerance and disease activity Supervision: Trained physical therapist/nurse supervision with regular monitoring of pain levels, fatigue, and joint swelling. The program is designed specifically for RA patients with mild to moderate

Progressive Resistance Training Group

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: 18 Years+
• Sex: all
• Healthy Volunteers: No
• Age Groups: Adult (18-64), Older Adult (65+)

You may qualify if:

• Diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis according to American College of Rheumatology criteria
• Age 18-65 years
• Both genders eligible
• Disease duration of at least 6 months
• Stable medication regimen for at least 3 months before study
• Mild to moderate disease activity
• Able to walk independently with or without assistive devices
• Willing and able to provide informed consent
• Agree to participate in the exercise program for 6 weeks
• Attending AL-Najaf Teaching Hospital for RA management

You may not qualify if:

• Severe cardiovascular disease (unstable angina, recent MI, severe heart failure)
• Other inflammatory arthritis (psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, lupus)-
• Recent joint surgery or fracture within the past 6 months
• Severe osteoporosis with fracture risk
• Pregnancy
• Severe cognitive impairment preventing participation
• Uncontrolled hypertension (BP \>180/110 mmHg)
• Active infection or fever at baseline
• Severe joint damage preventing exercise participation
• Participation in another exercise program during the study period
• Neuromuscular disorders affecting muscle function

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Kufa University: lead

MeSH Terms

Conditions

Arthritis, Rheumatoid

Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)

Arthritis; Joint Diseases; Musculoskeletal Diseases; Rheumatic Diseases; Connective Tissue Diseases; Skin and Connective Tissue Diseases; Autoimmune Diseases; Immune System Diseases

Central Study Contacts

Mohammed Hakim Shamran

CONTACT

+9647809417841; muhammedh.alhjem@uokufa.edu.iq

Study Design

• Study Type: interventional
• Phase: not applicable
• Allocation: NON RANDOMIZED
• Masking: SINGLE
• Who Masked: PARTICIPANT
• Purpose: SUPPORTIVE CARE
• Intervention Model: PARALLEL
• Sponsor Type: OTHER
• Responsible Party: PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
• PI Title: Assistant Professor of Nursing

Study Record Dates

• First Submitted: March 17, 2026
• First Posted: March 23, 2026
• Study Start: April 1, 2026
• Primary Completion: May 1, 2026
• Study Completion (Estimated): July 1, 2026
• Last Updated: April 1, 2026

Record last verified: 2026-03