Effects of static and dynamic shoulder rotator exercises in women with rheumatoid arthritis: a randomised comparison of impairment, disability, handicap, and health

Abstract

The aim was to compare static and dynamic shoulder rotator endurance training in a group of women with mild rheumatoid arthritis and to see whether such training could influence impairment, disability, and handicap. The effects on general health were also studied. Patients were randomly assigned to a static (n = 17) (average age 59, median disease duration 7) or a dynamic training group (n = 20) (average age 56, median disease duration 10.5). Measurements were taken at the start, 10 weeks later when the training period was finished, and after a further 10 weeks. After the training both groups had fewer swollen joints in the upper extremity and less shoulder-arm pain. The dynamic group patients also improved according to the physical and overall dimensions of the Sickness Impact Profile. As impairment and aspects of disability and handicap were influenced by training but not by the patients' opinions regarding perceived disease activity and health, these relationships must be studied further.