Resistance exercise training for persons with arthritis.

This article reviews the benefits of resistance exercise training in the rehabilitation of persons with arthritis. Without question, the person with arthritis has a need to develop muscular strength and endurance in order to maintain functional movement. Deficits in muscular strength, muscular endurance, range of motion, and other physical fitness indices have been identified clearly in the literature. Research studies have indicated that the effect of training persons with arthritis is promising; however, deficits exist in the literature on the types of specific exercise protocol that are most effective in training persons with arthritis. Guidelines for program development are provided with suggestions for alternative types of resistance exercise programs. It is hoped that the reader will look closely at resistance exercise programs as an important component in the rehabilitation of a person with arthritis.