Simple resistance training may ease RA muscle weakness
NCT ID NCT07487779
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether a structured progressive resistance training program can improve muscle strength in adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). About 118 participants will either do supervised exercises 3 times a week for 6 weeks or continue their usual care. Researchers will measure changes in muscle strength, heart function, and energy levels to see if the program helps with daily activities.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Progressive Resistance Training (exercise program)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a safe, drug-free way to improve muscle strength and daily function for people with rheumatoid arthritis.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, early-stage study with only 118 participants. The exercise program is short (6 weeks), so long-term benefits are unknown. Results may not apply to all RA patients.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
Study facts
What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.
- Phase
-
Not a phased trial
Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.
- Participants
-
About 118 people
The number the study aims to enrol. It can still change while the study runs.
- Expected to start
-
Apr 2026
An estimate. Start dates often move.
- Expected to finish
-
Jul 2026
An estimate. End dates often move.
- Lead sponsor
-
Other sponsor
The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.
Who can take part
This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.
- Ages
-
18 years and older
- Sex
-
Anyone
- Healthy volunteers
-
Not accepted
This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.
Show the full entry requirements Hide the full entry requirements
Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.
Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis according to American College of Rheumatology criteria * Age 18-65 years * Both genders eligible * Disease duration of at least 6 months * Stable medication regimen for at least 3 months before study * Mild to moderate disease activity * Able to walk independently with or without assistive devices * Willing and able to provide informed consent * Agree to participate in the exercise program for 6 weeks * Attending AL-Najaf Teaching Hospital for RA management Exclusion Criteria: * Severe cardiovascular disease (unstable angina, recent MI, severe heart failure) * Other inflammatory arthritis (psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, lupus)- * Recent joint surgery or fracture within the past 6 months * Severe osteoporosis with fracture risk * Pregnancy * Severe cognitive impairment preventing participation * Uncontrolled hypertension (BP \>180/110 mmHg) * Active infection or fever at baseline * Severe joint damage preventing exercise participation * Participation in another exercise program during the study period * Neuromuscular disorders affecting muscle function
Get updates
Get notified about this study
Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are added.
By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use
Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
How to take part
Only the study team decides who joins. These are the ways to reach them.
-
The official record
ClinicalTrials.gov lists the study team's own contact details, including names and phone numbers. We don't republish those.
-
A doctor treating you
A doctor who knows your case can contact a study site on your behalf, and can tell you whether this study is worth pursuing at all.
More trials for these conditions
Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
- A patient questionnaire may rival lab tests for spotting rheumatoid arthritis flares
- Could fewer pills mean same relief for rheumatoid arthritis?
- Can a single cell therapy calm multiple autoimmune diseases?
- Heart risk in rheumatoid arthritis: could a blood vessel drug help?
- Can talk therapy plus exercise beat arthritis fatigue?
- A Heart-Rhythm warning sign hidden in a routine ECG?