FRI0682 Exercise may decrease syncope secondary to postural change in females with rheumatoid arthritis: pilot study

Abstract

Background: The autonomic nervous system (ANS) regulates the heart rate via sympathetic and parasympathetic influences. Literature has shown that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients suffer from autonomic dysfunction. This may consequently lead to syncope with possible falls after posture change i.e. rising from supine to the standing position. Previous research has shown general improvement of the ANS after exercise, but not in specific relation with posture change. Objectives: To determine the effect of exercise on posture change (supine to standing position) in females with RA as measured by short-term heart rate variability (ANS function). Methods: Patients with confirmed RA were randomly selected to a control group (RAC) or an exercise group (RAE). The RAE group (n=19) trained two to three times per week under supervision. The RAC group (n=18) continued with their current sedentary lifestyle. The medium intensity exercise programme lasted for (Table Presented). Conclusions: In the group with ESWT and using wrist splint together, it was found that the improvement of hand function and electrophysiological measures was higher than other groups. ESWT, a valuable and practical treatment modality without serious side effects, reduces pain, neuropathic symptoms, disability and improves electrophysiological findings for patients with mild to moderate CTS.