Author
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ROUBENOFF, RONENN - TUFTS-HNRCA |
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Submitted to: Arthritis and Rheumatism
Publication Type: Review Article Publication Acceptance Date: 9/5/2002 Publication Date: 4/15/2003 Citation: ROUBENOFF, R. EXERCISE AND INFLAMMATORY DISEASE. ARTHRITIS AND RHEUMATISM. 2003;49(2):263-6. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Chronic inflammation affects the body's composition and metabolism in several ways, which ultimately favors the loss of body protein and the accretion of fat. These changes in turn lead to reduced function, loss of the ability to mount an effective response to acute illness, and increased risk of fat-related chronic diseases such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. Ultimately, these changes may be responsible for much of the increased mortality reported with diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), which are not intrinsically fatal. Current treatment, although effective in suppressing inflammation and controlling symptoms, does not appear to correct the metabolic and body composition changes that occur with inflammatory arthritis. It appears that a rehabilitative approach is required to reverse the loss of protein and the increase in fat, and that structured exercise programs offer the only proven effective method of achieving this goal. |
