A new meta-analysis of 10 studies involving 548 adults with rheumatoid arthritis and foot involvement found that supervised exercise programs significantly reduce foot pain and improve physical function. The analysis, published as a systematic review and meta-analysis, included both randomized and non-randomized studies.
Exercise reduced foot pain by a moderate to large amount (SMD -0.68) and improved function on several measures. For example, the Health Assessment Questionnaire score improved (SMD -0.73), the 6-minute walk test distance increased by about 47.6 meters, and the Time Up-and-Go test improved (SMD -0.40). All results were statistically significant.
The studies had some limitations. Non-randomized studies showed moderate to serious risk of confounding, and the overall risk of bias ranged from low to some concerns. No safety data were reported, so it is unclear if there were any adverse events.
Overall, this evidence supports including supervised exercise as part of multidisciplinary care for people with rheumatoid arthritis and foot problems. However, the findings are based on a relatively small number of studies with some methodological concerns, so more high-quality research is needed.
