Aquatics and Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

Physical activity might reduce RA symptoms and make activities of daily living (ADLs) easier to do increasing independence. The aquatic environment is low impact and easy on the joints during exercise. It is best to perform exercises in a warm water pool. Below are examples of the types of exercises addressed in the pool.

The best types of exercise for RA are those that work on your:

• strength

• flexibility

• range of motion

• aerobic conditioning

In addition to general fitness, people use aquatic exercise to:

• improve circulation

• promote relaxation

• treat conditions involving the musculoskeletal system

• ease anxiety, pain, and depression

• may reduce some symptoms of arthritis

If you are interested in an aquatic exercise program, please contact me at julie@seniorfit.health. Julie is a licensed occupational therapist, certified personal trainer and exercise physiologist, and certified in aquatic therapeutic exercise via ATRI.

References

10 exercises to do in the pool. (2021). choosept.com/Resources/Detail/top-10-exercises-to-do-in-pool

Al-Qubaeissy K, et al. (2012). The effectiveness of hydrotherapy in the management of rheumatoid arthritis: A systematic review. onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/msc.1028

Best exercises for rheumatoid arthritis. (n.d.). arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/physical-activity/other-activities/best-exercises-for-rheumatoid-arthritis

Dumain T. (2019). Water exercises to ease arthritis pain: 8 moves you will love doing. creakyjoints.org/diet-exercise/water-exercises-for-arthritis/

Mateen S, et al. (2017). Role of hydrotherapy in the amelioration of oxidant-antioxidant status in rheumatoid arthritis patients. onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/1756-185X.13118

Metsios GS, et al. (2018). Physical activity, exercise and rheumatoid arthritis: Effectiveness, mechanisms and implementation.

sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1521694219300488

Rheumatoid arthritis and heart disease. (n.d.) arthritis.org/health-wellness/about-arthritis/related-conditions/other-diseases/rheumatoid-arthritis-heart-disease