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Mediterr J Rheumatol 2015; 26(2): 54-61
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Exercise as medicine in rheumatoid arthritis
G. S. Metsios1,2,3, Ian M. Lahart1
Authors Information

1: Faculty of Health Education and Wellbeing, University of Wolverhampton, West Midlands, United Kingdom

2: Department of Rheumatology, Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust, Russell’s Hall Hospital, Dudley, West Midlands, United Kingdom

3: Department of Physical Education and Sports Science, University of Thessaly, Thessaly, Greece

Abstract
Collective research evidence reveals a beneficial impact of physical activity on a number of different health outcomes in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). However, RA patients still remain physically inactive due to factors involving both the patient and the health professional. In this review, we describe the beneficial effects of physical activity in RA and we explore the potential reasons why RA patients still remain physically inactive by a) investigating whether current provision for incorporating physical activity in clinical management is adequate/sufficient and b) discussing evidence from both from the patients’ and healthcare providers’ perspectives as to why RA patients still remain physically active.
Keywords: Rheumatoid arthritis, exercise, management