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Supervised exercise programs reduce foot pain and improve physical function in adults with rheumatoid arthritis, with aquatic exercise, Tai Chi, and high-intensity interval training showing the strongest benefits.
According to a new systematic review and meta-analysis, structured, supervised exercise programs can considerably reduce foot pain and improve mobility and physical function in adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), reinforcing the role of exercise in multidisciplinary RA care.
The review, carried out in accordance with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, analyzed 13 studies involving 548 volunteers with RA and foot involvement. Overall, 10 studies were included. Researchers evaluated randomized and controlled quasi-experimental trials investigating supervised exercise interventions, with outcomes focused on physical function and foot pain. The key outcomes of the study are depicted in Table 1:
The analysis also showed that aquatic exercise and Tai Chi were particularly valuable for reducing pain, while high-intensity interval training (HIIT) demonstrated greater improvements in functional outcomes. Programs lasting 12 weeks or longer consistently achieved stronger clinical effects than shorter interventions. Risk-of-bias assessment using Cochrane tools showed that most randomized studies had low risk or only some concerns, whereas non-randomized studies carried moderate-to-serious confounding risk.
The findings support incorporating supervised and structured exercise into routine multidisciplinary RA management, particularly for those with chronic foot pain, impaired mobility, and functional limitations. Researchers highlighted aquatic and combined exercise approaches as especially promising strategies for long-term symptom control and functional recovery.
Clinical Rheumatology
Effectiveness of physical exercise on foot pain and function in adults with rheumatoid arthritis: systematic review and meta-analysis
Alejandro Cruz-López et al.
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