Rehabilitation in a warm climate is effective for young adults with inflammatory arthritis: A 12 months randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objectives: To investigate if an intensive rehabilitation programme, including intensive exercise and patient education, for young adults with inflammatory arthritis, conducted in a warm climate, has long-term effects on general health status compared with usual care. Design: Open randomized controlled trial. Patients: A total of 64 patients with inflammatory arthritis, aged 20-35 years. Methods: Patients underwent randomized allocation to an intensive 17-day rehabilitation programme in a warm climate (intervention group) or to usual care with no structured rehabilitation (control group). The primary outcomes were physical function, assessed by the "30-second Sit to Stand test"(30sSTS), and coping, measured by the "Effective Musculoskeletal Consumer Scale" (EC17). Results: A total of 64 patients (mean age 27.5 years, 62.5% female) were randomized. Thirty out of 32 patients completed the intervention. At 12-month follow-up, 7 patients were lost to follow-up; 4 from the intervention group and 3 from the control group. The intervention group showed significant improvement in the physical function test at 3 months; estimated mean difference (95% confidence interval): 5.5 (2.8-8.1), 6 months 3.6 (0.4-6.8) and 12 months 4.0 (0.0-7.9), compared with the control group. There were no differences in coping between the 2 groups at 3, 6 or 12 months. Conclusion: Rehabilitation in a warm climate improves physical functioning, but not coping, in young adults with inflammatory arthritis.