Low‐Load Resistance Training With Blood‐Flow Restriction in Relation to Muscle Function, Mass, and Functionality in Women With Rheumatoid Arthritis

Objective To evaluate the effects of a low‐load resistance training program associated with partial blood‐flow restriction in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Methods Forty‐eight women with RA were randomized into 1 of 3 groups: high‐load resistance training (HL‐RT; 70% 1 repetition maximum [1RM]), low‐load resistance training (30% 1RM) with partial blood‐flow restriction training (BFRT), and a control group. Patients completed a 12‐week supervised training program and were assessed for lower‐extremity 1RM, quadriceps cross‐sectional area (CSA), physical function (timed‐stands test [TST], timed‐up‐and‐go test [TUG], and Health Assessment Questionnaire [HAQ]), and quality of life (Short Form 36 health survey [SF‐36]) at baseline and after the intervention. Results BFRT and HL‐RT were similarly effective in increasing maximum dynamic strength in both leg press (22.8% and 24.2%, respectively; P < 0.0001 for all) and knee extension (19.7% and 23.8%, respectively; P < 0.0001 for all). Quadriceps CSA was also significantly increased in both BFRT and HL‐RT (9.5% and 10.8%, respectively; P < 0.0001 for all). Comparable improvements in TST (11.2% and 14.7%; P < 0.0001 for all) and TUG (–6.8% [P < 0.0053] and –8.7% [P < 0.0001]) were also observed in BFRT and HL‐RT, respectively. Improvements in both groups were significantly greater than those of the control group (P < 0.05 for all). SF‐36 role physical and bodily pain and HAQ scores were improved only in BFRT (45.7%, 22.5%, and –55.9%, respectively; P < 0.05 for all). HL‐RT resulted in 1 case of withdrawal and several cases of exercise‐induced pain, which did not occur in BFRT. Conclusion BFRT was effective in improving muscle strength, mass, function, and health‐related quality of life in patients with RA, emerging as a viable therapeutic modality in RA management.