Effects of Locomotion Training on the Physical Functions and Quality of Life in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Pilot Clinical Trial

OBJECTIVES: This study investigated the effects of locomotion training on physical functions and quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Thirty-five patients with RA underwent locomotion training for 6 months. Health data collected from the subjects at baseline and after 6 months were the Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI), pain Visual Analog Scale, 10-m walking test, Timed Up-and-Go (TUG) test, single-leg standing test, Short Form-8 score with physical and mental component summaries, and 25-question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale. The primary endpoint was a change in HAQ-DI at 6 months. RESULTS: In terms of the primary outcome, the HAQ-DI significantly improved from 0.48 ± 0.69 at baseline to 0.27 ± 0.36 at 6 months (P=0.011). The significant secondary outcomes were a change in TUG test for comfortable walking from 9.8 ± 2.1 s at baseline to 8.9 ± 2.0 s at 6 months (P=0.002) and increased single-leg standing times for the right and left legs from 24.7 ± 23.5 s and 22.6 ± 22.8 s at baseline to 30.9 ± 22.1 s and 32.4 ± 24.1 s at 6 months (P=0.004, P <0.001), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that locomotion training for 6 months may improve the HAQ-DI in patients with RA.