Interventions
Table 1. Descriptions and examples of interventions included
in the integrative management of rheumatoid
arthritis guideline
Intervention Description and/or examples
Exercise
Physical exercise Movement of the body requiring energ y expenditure.
Exercise Performance of physical activity in regular and structured
manner to improve fitness and health.
Aerobic exercise Exercise intended to improve cardiorespiratory fitness and
muscular endurance. Examples include walking, biking or
cycling, running, hiking, aerobics, rowing, swimming, using an
elliptical.
Aquatic exercise Exercise performed in water, containing elements of both
aerobic and resistance exercise. Examples include swimming,
water aerobics, water walking or jogging.
Resistance exercise Exercise intended to increase muscular strength. Examples
include free weights, weight machines, resistance bands, Pilates.
Mind-body exercise Exercise that combines movement, mental focus, and controlled
breathing. Examples include yoga, Tai Chi, Qigong.
Rehabilitation
Comprehensive
occupational therapy
Evaluation and treatment by occupational therapist with the
goal of increasing physical function and participation. Receives
patient-centered individualized treatment. Components of
OT services vary and may include arthritis education, ADL
evaluation and training, joint protection, activity pacing, work
simplification and fatigue management, exercise (particularly
for the hand and arm), splinting/orthotics, provision of
assistive/adaptive devices, environmental adaptations, work
and leisure counselling/rehabilitation, work site assessment,
sexual advice, relaxation, and pain and stress management
training.
Comprehensive physical
therapy
Evaluation and treatment by a physical therapist. Components
of PT services will vary and should include exercise. May
also include functional training and physical activity, energ y
conservation, workplace accommodations, mobility and
gait training, manual therapy, self-management education,
electrotherapy, application of orthoses, instruction in assistive
devices, pain-management (including thermal therapy).
Hand therapy exercises Exercises of the hand to improve mobility and strength.
