Comparable effect of partly supervised and self-administered exercise programme in early rheumatoid arthritis--a randomised, controlled trial.

Introduction: There is a need to establish a framework and exercise level for patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of this study was to compare the effect of a partly supervised and a self-administered exercise programme for patients with early RA.

Methods: A total of 51 patients with early (≤ 5 years) RA were randomised to either a six-week supervised, progressive, high-intensity exercise programme followed by a six-week self-administered exercise programme or a 12-week self-administered exercise programme.