| Methods |
A 24‐weeks parallel, outcome assessor blinded study.
Assessments were done 12 weeks before baseline, at baseline and 12 weeks after baseline (only the last 2 assessments were included in the analyses).
Quality: 0/0/1/1 |
| Participants |
48 RA‐patients recruited, 5 were excluded and 1 drop‐out before randomisation: 42 randomised (22 CT/20 PA), 2 drop‐outs after randomisation (CT): 40 analysed (20/20). Inclusion: RA according to the 1987 ARA‐criteria, age below 70 yr, ARA functional class 2 and willingness to participate. Mean age 55 yr (SD: 8) and 70% female. |
| Interventions |
All: personal exercise instructions by PT + written and taped instructions with music for home exercises. 5 days a week during 12 weeks: exercises using a 1.40 m rubber strip with tied loops at bottom ends for strengthening and a shoulder pulley apparatus for mobility exercises in upper and lower extremities, for stretching and walking, + 12 weeks follow‐up period:
CT ‐ Cognitive Treatment: goal‐setting and reinterpretation of activity induced pain. Patient and PT decided an increased load as a goal and patients were encouraged to increase walking speed.
PA ‐ Pain Attention control group: materials to increase load of exercise were available on request, but no specific goals or encouragements. |
| Outcomes |
Included: HAQ, Ritchie Articular Index.
Others: Self‐Efficacy RA. |
| Notes |
ARA = American Rheumatology Association
PT = Physiotherapist
HAQ = Health Assessment Questionnaire |
