What is the primary objective of exercise therapy for rheumatoid arthritis?

What is the primary objective of exercise therapy for rheumatoid arthritis?

• A. High-intensity conditioning to push through pain.
• B. Complete rest with no activity.
• C. Maintaining ROM, flexibility, strength, and adapting to disease stage.
• D. Isolating joints from movement for a prolonged period.

Answer: (C)

Exercise therapy for rheumatoid arthritis aims to preserve joint function by keeping range of motion and flexibility intact, while building or maintaining muscle strength and adapting activity to how the disease presents at any given time. This approach helps reduce stiffness, supports daily tasks, and prevents deconditioning, letting people move more comfortably and with less pain as symptoms change. Pushing through pain with high-intensity conditioning can worsen joint damage and flare-ups, so that's avoided. Complete rest isolates joints and leads to stiffness and weakness, which undermines function. Proactively coordinating activity with symptoms—including gradual progression, joint protection, and management during flares—lets exercise support long-term function and quality of life.

Exercise therapy for rheumatoid arthritis aims to preserve joint function by keeping range of motion and flexibility intact, while building or maintaining muscle strength and adapting activity to how the disease presents at any given time. This approach helps reduce stiffness, supports daily tasks, and prevents deconditioning, letting people move more comfortably and with less pain as symptoms change. Pushing through pain with high-intensity conditioning can worsen joint damage and flare-ups, so that's avoided. Complete rest isolates joints and leads to stiffness and weakness, which undermines function. Proactively coordinating activity with symptoms—including gradual progression, joint protection, and management during flares—lets exercise support long-term function and quality of life.