Exercise Training and Knee Joint Proprioception in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disorder that affects 0.5% to 1% of adults and is the result of an autoimmune attack against joint tissues. In recent years, advances in anti-rheumatoid drugs and treatment strategies have improved the health status of patients with RA. However, many patients do not achieve disease remission and experience progressive functional impairment. According to 2003 data from the National Health Interview Survey in the United States, by 2030, approximately 25% of adults aged 18 years and older are expected to have doctor-diagnosed arthritis, and 9.3% of adults are expected to have arthritis-related activity limitations. In order for patients with RA to perform activities of daily living, it is very important for them to maintain their balance, i.e., their sense of proprioception. It is known that knee proprioception is decreased in RA. In addition, the presence of pain, decreased muscle strength, and functionality in patients with RA lead many of them to adopt a sedentary lifestyle. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of exercise training on knee joint proprioception in individuals with RA. In addition, it also aims to examine how exercise training improves pain, functionality, performance, fear of falling, biopsychosocial status, and quality of life. The importance of this research is that it provides more scientific data for improving knee joint proprioception in individuals with RA and guides clinical practice. It is also expected to contribute to the development of a comprehensive approach to improving the quality of life of patients by demonstrating not only the physical but also the psychological and functional effects of exercise training.