There are two forms of exercises for building strength, isotonic and isometric exercises. Isotonic exercises are those where your muscles are working against resistance, such as that supplied by gravity, water, weights, rubber bands, or your own body weight.

In isometric exercise, muscles are contracted and relaxed without movement of the joints. An example is when you place your palms together in front of you (in a prayer position) and push them together. Isometric exercises are very useful for RA patients who are limited by disability and pain.

Your PT will help you develop a program of isometric and/or isotonic strength exercises that are appropriate to your needs and abilities

Every person should have a regular exercise program specifically tailored to their abilities and needs. The goal of regular exercise is to achieve and maintain optimal health and physical functioning. Regular exercise, including exercises for strengthening muscles, stretching (range of motion), building endurance, and improving coordination and balance, can be useful in managing many of the symptoms that commonly affect people with RA, including fatigue, stiffness, pain, and weakness. Regular exercise is an important key for maintaining joint and bone health.

Exercise also provides general health benefits to people who are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease and osteoporosis (loss of bone with increased risk for fracture). Exercise can help you maintain cardiovascular health, strengthen muscles, and maintain your bones.
In addition, regular exercise can help lift your mood and spirits, improve your outlook on life, improve your sleep, and help prevent the onset of depression and other mental health conditions that commonly affect persons living with chronic autoimmune disease.

What do studies tell us about the benefits of exercise?

The benefits of exercise for patients have been demonstrated in a variety of well-controlled studies.
One study evaluated the benefits of a regular program of strength training combined with aerobic activity for patients.
The study found that over a two-year period a regular strength training and aerobic exercise program resulted in significant improvements in muscle strength and physical functioning, without any negative effects on disease activity. Compared to a control group (which was also engaged in an exercise program combining range of motion exercises and regular aerobic activity), the group that combined strength training and aerobic activity had greater improvements in muscle strength, disease activity, and physical functioning, as well as significant improvements in bone mineral density measurements.

Benefits of regular exercise for patients

• Improved muscle strength and function
• Improved joint stability
• Increased endurance
• Improved physical function and performance
• Improved pain control
• Increased quality of life
• Improved bone health

Regular aerobic exercise (such as walking, swimming, supervised aerobic exercise classes, and cycling) has been shown to improve muscle function, the stability of joints, endurance, and physical functioning and performance. Additionally, aerobic exercise can result in improvements in pain control and overall quality of life for patients.
Weight training or resistance training may be particularly important because they have been shown to be useful in preventing bone loss.