Rheumatoid Arthritis and Whole Body Vibration
Rheumatoid Arthritis is a systemic chronic autoimmune disease. It causes inflammation of the joints
(affecting the bone, ligaments, tendons and muscles) but can also affect other organs in the body. It is a progressive disease which can lead to the breakdown of tissues (cartilage, bone and ligament) in the affected joints and can cause significant disability. When RA is active, symptoms include swelling, pain and redness of the joint, muscle pain and stiffness (being more common in the morning and after periods of inactivity), fatigue, low grade fever, and a decreased appetite. Although it is a chronic illness, individuals may have periods of remission (no symptoms). Periods of remission can last for days, weeks or years. Although symptoms of acute inflammation do not occur during remission, any disability created by deformity and destruction of the joint remains. RA can occur in any joint, however the most common are the fingers, wrist, and also the small bones of the foot. Hard lumps or nodules can form under the skin around the joints and may cause symptoms if they become infected. The cause of RA is unknown; however, it is thought to have a genetic component with infectious and environmental triggers. Treatments include medication, rest, strength training, joint protection, and preventative education. The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation, pain, improve function and minimize joint destruction and deformity. When joints become severely degenerated an individual may require surgery to replace the affected joint.
Exercise is safe and important for individuals with RA. Benefits include the same overall affects that regular physical activity has for anyone. RA specific benefits include reducing pain, improving function and improving bone density. The National Center on Physical Activity and Disability (NCPAD) website www.ncpad.org
suggest that even vigorous exercise may provide benefits including maintaining ROM, cardiovascular fitness, and strength without further damage to the joints. Low impact activities are favoured because the amount of stress on the joints is less. The NCPAD website states that any exercise that causes joint pain lasting for more than two hours post-exercise should be discontinued. The website also outlines recommendations (according to the American College of Sports Medicine and other reliable sources) for aerobic, strength and stretching activities for individuals with RA. Exercise may need to be modified during periods when the joints are inflamed and pain ensues. Recommendations for acute inflammatory periods include rest from vigorous exercise, but encourage appropriate ROM, strengthening and stretching activities. It advisable for an individual with RA to speak with their doctor prior to starting any new exercise routine and to be monitored by a health care provider familiar with RA to ensure a routine is a safe and progresses appropriately.
There is no specific research looking at Whole Body Vibration (WBV) and RA. WBV is contraindicated during periods of acute inflammation. Therefore, acute RA would be considered a relative contraindication to the use of WBV. For this reason, it is important that an individual with RA discuss the use of WBV with their physician before adding it to their exercise routine. The T-zone Vibration manual lists studies that have shown benefits using WBV including metabolic changes, increases in strength, improvements in balance, and improved bone density in various populations. Studies were population specific, meaning that the benefits do not necessarily carry over into other populations. If a physician clears an individual with RA to use WBV it should be started at a reduced intensity and duration. It
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-2- should not be used during an acute RA flare. If an individual experiences any symptoms related to RA while using WBV, it should be discontinued immediately and his/her symptoms should be discussed with their physician. If WBV is well tolerated and an individual is symptom free the intensity of exercise and duration of training bouts can be increased. In general, if an individual experiences any pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness while using the WBV platform it should be discontinued immediately.
THIS IS FOR EDUCATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. WE DO NOT DIAGNOSE OR PRESCRIBE. PLEASE
CONSULT YOUR HEALTH PROVIDER.
25 Curity Avenue, Unit 2A, Toronto, ON M4B 3M2
416-285-6055 fax 416-285-8918 info@t-zonehealth.com
www.t-zonevibration.com