Effects of Eccentric Exercise on Work-Related Performance and Physical Activity Levels in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

Background: There is a high prevalence of work productivity loss among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), with a seeming link between loss of work productivity and RA disease activity. The increase in poor clinical outcomes associated with disease activity in this population has largely contributed to poor work performance, thereby creating a huge burden on patients with RA. Notwithstanding the reported more beneficial effects of eccentric exercise compared with conventional resistance training, there appears to be a death of information about the effects of this intervention on RA conditions. Aims of the study: This study aimed to investigate the effects of an eccentric exercise intervention on work-related performance and physical activity in RA patients. Method: Thirty-seven RA patients aged 30–65 (9 males; 28 females), who participated in the study were randomized into exercise and control groups. The Health and Work Performance Questionnaire and Health Assessment Questionnaire assessed RA patients’ work-related performance. Physical activity at work was assessed with the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire. Results: The study’s results confirmed that an eccentric exercise significantly improved work performance in the RA population (Absenteeism –1.5 P = 0.005, Presenteeism +8.33 P = 0.014). Further, our study found that an eccentric exercise intervention improved physical function in patients with RA (–0.263 P = 0.004). Interestingly, a significant increase in moderate-intensity physical activity was reported among RA patients who participated in the 12-week eccentric exercise intervention program (+106.66 P = 0.008). Conclusion: These findings, therefore, confirm that an eccentric exercise intervention could improve work-related performance and physical activity levels among RA patients.