What is the mechanism of action of this treatment?

Exercise programs, such as Enhance Fitness (EF), are a common treatment for arthritis and work by improving physical function, reducing pain, and enhancing overall quality of life. The mechanisms of action include increasing muscle strength, improving joint flexibility, and boosting cardiovascular health, which collectively help to alleviate the symptoms of arthritis. Regular physical activity also promotes the release of endorphins, which can reduce pain perception and improve mood. For arthritis patients, these benefits are crucial as they help manage the chronic pain and disability associated with the condition, thereby improving their ability to perform daily activities and enhancing their overall well-being.

What side effects are associated with this type of intervention?

Exercise-based treatments for arthritis, such as the Enhance Fitness (EF) program, generally have minimal side effects. These can include muscle soreness, fatigue, and a risk of injury if exercises are not performed correctly. However, these side effects are usually mild and manageable with proper guidance and gradual progression of exercise intensity. Overall, supervised exercise programs are effective in improving functional ability and quality of life for arthritis patients.

What prior FDA approvals exist?

The FDA has approved several pharmacologic treatments for arthritis, including TNF inhibitors like infliximab, etanercept, and adalimumab, which have shown efficacy in reducing inflammation and improving physical function in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis. Non-pharmacologic treatments, such as structured exercise programs, are also recommended for managing arthritis symptoms. Programs like Enhance Fitness (EF), which focus on improving physical function through exercise, are supported by evidence showing that physical activity can reduce pain and improve mobility in arthritis patients. While specific exercise programs like EF may not require FDA approval, they are endorsed by health organizations for their benefits in arthritis management.

What other types of research exist?

Promising alternatives to Enhance Fitness (EF) for arthritis patients include: 1) Aerobic and resistance exercise programs, which have been shown to improve aerobic capacity, endurance, and strength in older adults with rheumatoid arthritis. 2) Supervised aerobic exercise programs, which have demonstrated significant improvements in aerobic capacity and disease-related variables in rheumatoid arthritis patients. 3) Technology-based exercise and posture training programs, which are feasible and acceptable for older adults with age-related hyperkyphosis and may benefit arthritis patients. These alternatives offer various modes of exercise that can be tailored to individual needs and preferences.

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Online vs In-Person Fitness Programs for Arthritis (DEFT Trial)

N/A

Waitlist Available

Led By Kushang V Patel, PhD, MPH

Research Sponsored by University of Washington

Eligibility Criteria Checklist

Specific guidelines that determine who can or cannot participate in a clinical trial

Must have

Be older than 18 years old

Timeline

Screening 3 weeks

Treatment Varies

Follow Up study months: 0, 4, 10, 16

Awards & highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

Summary

This trial is testing if doing the Enhance Fitness (EF) exercise program remotely is as effective as doing it in person for people with arthritis. The goal is to see if remote exercise can help improve physical function and reduce pain just like in-person sessions.

Who is the study for?

This trial is for English-speaking adults with arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, gout, lupus, or fibromyalgia. Participants must be community-dwelling and either over 65 with moderate-to-severe functional limitations, low income, or living in rural areas; or aged 18-64 meeting the same conditions without age-related criteria.

What is being tested?

The study compares two ways of delivering an exercise program called Enhance Fitness (EF) for managing arthritis: one group will do EF remotely while another will participate in-person. The goal is to see if remote EF is just as effective as the traditional in-person method.

What are the potential side effects?

Since this trial involves physical exercise programs rather than medication, side effects may include typical exercise-related issues such as muscle soreness or strain. However, specific side effects are not detailed here.

Timeline

Screening ~ 3 weeks3 visits

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~ study months: 0, 4, 10, 16

Screening ~ 3 weeks

Treatment ~ Varies

Follow Up ~study months: 0, 4, 10, 16

This trial's timeline: 3 weeks for screening, Varies for treatment, and study months: 0, 4, 10, 16 for reporting.

Treatment Details

Study Objectives

Study objectives can provide a clearer picture of what you can expect from a treatment.

Secondary study objectives

30-second Bicep Curl Test

30-second Sit-to-Stand Test

Depression

+5 more

Other study objectives

Ability to Participate in Social Roles and Activities

Anxiety

Exercise Self-Efficacy Scale

+2 more

Awards & Highlights

No Placebo-Only Group

All patients enrolled in this study will receive some form of active treatment.

Trial Design

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Active Control

Group I: Tele-EFExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Remote delivery of Enhance Fitness.

Group II: In-person EFActive Control1 Intervention

In-person delivery of Enhance Fitness.

Do I qualify?Apply below to find out

Research Highlights

Information in this section is not a recommendation. We encourage patients to speak with their healthcare team when evaluating any treatment decision.

Mechanism Of Action

Side Effect Profile

Prior Approvals

Other Research

Exercise programs, such as Enhance Fitness (EF), are a common treatment for arthritis and work by improving physical function, reducing pain, and enhancing overall quality of life. The mechanisms of action include increasing muscle strength, improving joint flexibility, and boosting cardiovascular health, which collectively help to alleviate the symptoms of arthritis. Regular physical activity also promotes the release of endorphins, which can reduce pain perception and improve mood. For arthritis patients, these benefits are crucial as they help manage the chronic pain and disability associated with the condition, thereby improving their ability to perform daily activities and enhancing their overall well-being.

Effectiveness and safety of aerobic exercise for rheumatoid arthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.