GRENOBLE, France, June 25 (UPI) -- French researchers suggest cardiorespiratory aerobic exercise may help ease joint pain in those with rheumatoid arthritis.
Researchers at the University of Grenoble Medical School in France say their review of studies indicates aerobic exercise is a safe and effective way for patients with stable rheumatoid arthritis to improve joint function.
The review of studies, published in the journal Arthritis Care & Research, concludes stable rheumatoid arthritis patients who exercised regularly had less joint pain, improved function and greater quality of life.
"Our results show that patients with stable rheumatoid arthritis would benefit from regular aerobic exercise," Dr. Athan Baillet, the study leader, said in a statement.
"Cardiorespiratory conditioning appears safe and its effects, while small, help to reduce joint pain and improve function."
Baillet and colleagues analyzed 14 studies and assessed the efficacy of non-exercise versus aerobic and non-aerobic exercise on rheumatoid arthritis symptoms. The meta-analysis included 510 patients in the intervention group and 530 in the control group.
