The efficacy of rehabilitation for patients with rheumatoid arthritis: comparison between a 4-week rehabilitation programme in a warm and cold climate
Abstract
To investigate the long-term effect (week 16) of a 4-week rehabilitation programme for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and to compare the effect of this intervention given in a Mediterranean or a Norwegian climate. A randomized, controlled, parallel group design, where 124 RA patients applying for rehabilitation were randomized to a rehabilitation programme either in Norway or in a Mediterranean climate. The participants were examined clinically immediately before (week 0) and after (week 4) the rehabilitation period as well as in week 16 and answered a mailed questionnaire in week 28. The 28-Joint Disease Activity Score (DAS28), American College of Rheumatology (ACR) response and physical tests were used to measure clinical response. The baseline DAS28 value 4.45 (1.16) was reduced by -0.95 (1.05) in the Mediterranean climate and the baseline DAS28 value 4.18 (1.17) was reduced by -0.37 (0.92) in the Norwegian climate at week 16 (p = 0.003). An ACR20 improvement was achieved in 25% of the patients treated in the Mediterranean climate and in 15% of those treated in the Norwegian climate. Sustained improvement in all ACR core components at week 16 and in patient's assessment of health status at week 28 was found in the p...Continue Reading
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