Study: Reaching Physical Goals Helps Arthritis Patients

Gone are the days when people with rheumatoid arthritis had to resign themselves to living with pain, stiffness and discomfort.

In today’s world, arthritic patients can improve their mobility and strength with physical therapy treatment programs.

In fact, a new study shows that people who have rheumatoid arthritis – yet believe in their ability to achieve physical activity goals – are more likely to overcome some of its effects. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the lining of the joints.

Researchers from the Netherlands also found that these patients report feeling less pain and enjoy a better quality of life. The study was published in the online edition of the journal Arthritis Care & Research.

“Our results suggest that an increased focus on self-efficacy enhancement, realistic goal-setting, and techniques that increase the likelihood of goal achievement will assist clinicians and researchers to develop interventions that have a positive impact on pain reduction and quality of life outcomes for rheumatoid arthritis patients,” said Keegan Knittle, the study’s lead author, in a journal news release.

An estimated 1.3 million adults in the United States suffer from rheumatoid arthritis, according to the American College of Rheumatology.

Source: Arthritis Care & Research news release