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Table of Contents

Overview
Patient Presents
Physical Exam
Physical Fitness
Exercise Section
Orthotics
Knee Replacement
Current Exercise
Patient's Experience
Physical Therapist
Summary
References

Authors:

Carmen Christopher, BA, SPT

Marian A. Minor, PT, PhD

School of Health Professions and School of Medicine, University of Missouri-Columbia
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Rheumatoid Arthritis and Aerobic Exercise

Current Exercise Program


Now, six months after the TKR surgery and a course of physical therapy, Jody has returned to exercise. Currently, her exercise program consists of stationary bicycling for 15 minutes, walking on a treadmill for 20-30 minutes at 3.5 mph completing 1–1.5 miles, stretching, and a body conditioning class for 45 minutes three days a week.

Third Exercise Program

Self-directed gym and exercise classes in a community-based setting. These tables also show Jody's results in 1985, before she began exercising.

Measurements before and after exercising
Measurement Before any exercising, 1985 Before the exercise class, 1995
3 x 45		 After 3 years, 1998
VO 2 ml · kg -1 · min -1 19.7 (15th percentile) 36.2 (80th percentile) 28.1 (60th percentile)
Sit and Reach 1 cm (5th percentile) 1 cm (5th percentile) 1 cm (5th percentile)
50 foot walk time 10.5 seconds 10.2 seconds 11.3 seconds
Weight 91.0 kg 94.9 kg 87.1 kg
Blood pressure 118/88 . 115/78
Resting heart rate 83 . 71


Arthritis Impact Measurement Scale (AIMS) scores
before and after exercising
(0 - 10; higher number indicates more disability)
AIMS score Before any exercising, 1985 Before the exercise class, 1995 After 3 months
Physical activity 6 8 6.5
Social activity 8 8.5 6
Dexterity 8 10 4
Depression 6 6 2
Pain 5 5.5 5.5
Health perception 8 5.9 6.7
Arthritis impact 3 5.5 2.5


Radiographs of knees taken in 1991 and 1997, before and after exercising
Knees 1991 Knees 1997
Knees 1991 Knees 1997


Radiographs of feet taken in 1991 and 1998, before and after exercising
Feet 1991Feet 1998
Feet 1991 Feet 1998
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Last Update: Sep 5 2006