Physical Activity & RMD: Benefits & Exercise Tips
- Barcelona—The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) 2025 congress addressed the growing recognition of physical activity's importance for individuals with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMD).
- Several sessions at the EULAR annual congress focused on the value of physical activity for people with a variety of RMD, as well as the potential barriers to...
- Past research indicates that consistent, tailored exercise therapy yields better results then standard care after one year for individuals facing meaningful functional limitations from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or...
Discover the power of physical activity to help manage rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMD). New research from the EULAR 2025 congress reveals that tailored exercise programs yield better results. We provide insights into sustained benefits lasting over two years, even with reduced supervision. Explore the cost-effectiveness of work-oriented interventions for RA and axSpA. Learn how evening physical activity can reduce fatigue in RA patients.This information is brought to you by News Directory 3, reporting from the forefront of health and wellness. Discover what’s next for integrating physical activity into your daily life.
Physical Activity Benefits People With Rheumatic, Musculoskeletal Disease
Updated June 15, 2025
Barcelona—The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) 2025 congress addressed the growing recognition of physical activity’s importance for individuals with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMD). EULAR has already issued guidelines promoting physical activity for those with inflammatory arthritis and osteoarthritis, alongside advice for maintaining healthy employment.
Several sessions at the EULAR annual congress focused on the value of physical activity for people with a variety of RMD, as well as the potential barriers to implementing these programs.
Past research indicates that consistent, tailored exercise therapy yields better results then standard care after one year for individuals facing meaningful functional limitations from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) or axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA).
David Ueckert and his team presented findings on the long-term impact of such interventions on physical function and quality of life. The initial year involved 64 planned sessions, with a possible 14 additional sessions. From the second year onward, the physical therapist and patient determined the continuation and frequency, lasting up to 42 months.
After two years, improvements were statistically significant across all measured outcomes for both RA and axSpA, except for the mental component score in the SF-36. Functional and quality-of-life measures remained stable between the first and second years, suggesting lasting effects. The distance covered in the 6-minute walk test in the axSpA group was the only exception, showing continued improvement.
These results emphasize the positive effects of sustained, personalized exercise therapy, where functional and quality-of-life benefits persist despite reduced reliance on supervised therapy during the second year.
Nienke bakker presented an abstract exploring the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of a multimodal, physical therapist-led intervention focused on vocational or work-related goals. The study involved 140 adults with RA or axSpA experiencing reduced work ability. The intervention included 10–21 sessions over 12 months, featuring work-oriented assessments, patient education, exercise therapy, and referrals to work-related professionals, with optional workplace examinations or self-management courses.
The study indicated that the intervention tended to improve quality-adjusted life years, but not work-related outcomes. Total costs to society were lower in the intervention group, leading the authors to suggest that such programs are likely cost-effective compared to standard care.
Fatigue management is a key concern for patients and healthcare providers. While higher physical activity is linked to lower fatigue,the role of sedentary behavior is less clear. Sally Fenton and colleagues examined how physical activity patterns and sedentary behavior vary throughout the day and their relationship to fatigue in 104 people with RA.
The study revealed similar physical activity time and intensity in the morning and afternoon, but lower levels in the evening, when sitting time increased.Physical activity time and intensity were negatively correlated with general fatigue, physical fatigue, reduced activity, and reduced motivation. However, no links were found to mental fatigue.
Significant interaction effects indicated that physical activity in the evening was particularly beneficial in reducing fatigue.
What’s next
Further research is needed to explore optimal strategies for integrating physical activity into the daily lives of individuals with RMD, addressing barriers to participation and tailoring interventions to individual needs and preferences.