High‑intensity interval training, or HIIT, paired with strength work, shows promise for people living with rheumatoid arthritis. This finding comes from Health Day reports.
In the study, 87 adults with rheumatoid arthritis were randomly assigned to either an intervention group or a control group. The intervention group completed HIIT and strength training for 12 weeks, while the control group was advised to keep total physical activity under 150 minutes per week.
Those in the HIIT and strength training group saw notable gains in cardiovascular and respiratory health. They also experienced reductions in waist circumference and other indicators tied to lower cardiovascular risk and better overall well‑being. Importantly, the intense training did not worsen joint pain for these participants.
Typically, HIIT involves short bursts of high‑intensity effort followed by periods of rest or light activity. The workouts are often briefer than traditional sessions. Prior research highlighted that HIIT, when overseen by a physical therapist, can support recovery after a stroke. This echoes a broader pattern of how supervised, targeted exercise helps people recover function and improve endurance over time.
Ultimately, the study challenges the old belief that joint wear is inevitable under stress. With proper guidance and a structured plan, people with rheumatoid arthritis may safely pursue more vigorous forms of exercise and reap meaningful health benefits. These findings align with ongoing efforts to promote safe, effective physical activity as a cornerstone of arthritis management. Health Day notes emphasize that supervision and individualized programming can make a real difference in outcomes for patients seeking to improve heart health, mobility, and quality of life.