Efficacy of a Nurse-Supervised Structured Progressive Exercise Program on Muscle Force Outcomes among Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients

Mohammed Hakim Shamran

doi:10.36321/kjns.vi20262.24377

Authors

Mohammed Hakim Shamran Adults Nursing Department, Faculty of Nursing, University of Kufa, AL-Najaf, Iraq https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2532-148X

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36321/kjns.vi20262.24377

Keywords:

Progressive Exercise Program, Muscle Force

Abstract

Background: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA), is an autoimuune systematic chronic disease. RA has a largly impact on socioeconomic status, patients life and reduction functional capacity. Progressive Exercise Program remain an a very impotant way in management of RA despite use pharmaceutical intervention.

Methods: The present study used a quasi-experimental design involving two groups: a study group and a control group. Four assessments were conducted for both groups: one pre-intervention assessment and three post-intervention assessments following the implementation of the regular resistance exercise program. The study was conducted from March 13^th, 2025, to February 10^th, 2026, at Al-Najaf Teaching Hospital. The objective of the study was to assess the effectiveness of a progressive exercise program in improving muscle strength among patients with rheumatoid arthritis. A total of (118) RA patients were divided into Study and control groups, which were included by non-probability purposive sampling methods.

Results: After conducting Progressive Exercise Program (post-tests) revealed a significant improve Muscle Force and results indicate that the majority of patients in Study group improve Muscle Force and have active movement against full resistance (Normal Muscle Contraction) (66.6%) according to Muscle Force testing. While the majority of patient in Control group remain at level one (Trace Activity) according of Muscle Force testing (67.24%) at post-test 3.

Conclusion: the study concluded after a six weeks application of the progressive resistance training is an effective approach to improving the Muscle Force of patients with RA compared to the Control group.

Recommendations: The study recommended further studies to prove the efficacy of alternative nursing rehabilitation techniques in minimizing RA-related problems and nurses recommended to use the resistance training for RA patients who suffer from muscle weakness.