ClinicalTrials.gg
Not yet recruitingNCT07487779RAUpdated Apr 1, 2026

Efficacy of Structured Progressive Training Exercise on Muscle Strength of Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis

An interventional study of Progressive Resistance Training in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), sponsored by Kufa University. Not yet recruiting. Open to participants aged 18 Years and older. Per ClinicalTrials.gov, last updated 2026-04-01.

Sponsored by Kufa University · Not applicable, Interventional, and Supportive care

From the registry’s dates

  • Primary completion was expected by May 2026, 6 months ago, but the record still lists the study as not yet recruiting.
Phase
Not applicable
Study type
Interventional
Enrollment
118
Allocation
Non-randomized
Ages
18 Years and older
Sex
All
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Study summary

This study aims to find out if a specific exercise program helps patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). RA is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes pain, weakness, and reduced function in the joints and muscles. While medication is common, exercise is also important for management.

The study will test a program called "Progressive Resistance Training." About 118 adult patients with RA at AL-Najaf Teaching Hospital will participate. They will be divided into two groups. One group will perform specific resistance exercises for six weeks, while the other group will continue their usual care without this specific training.

The researchers will measure muscle strength, cardiovascular function, and energy levels before and after the six-week program. The goal is to determine if this exercise improves muscle strength and helps patients perform daily activities more efficiently. The study hopes to show that resistance training is a safe and effective way to improve quality of life for people with RA.

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Conditions studied

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
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In context

Arthritis, Rheumatoid

3,332 studies on the registry are indexed under Arthritis, Rheumatoid; 443 are open to participants now.

This study's planned enrollment of 118 is above the median of 96 across 2,220 interventional studies indexed under Arthritis, Rheumatoid.

Browse Arthritis, Rheumatoid studies →

Lead sponsor

Kufa University is the lead sponsor of 14 studies on the registry; 3 are open to participants now.

Counted across the registry records on this site, refreshed daily.

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Who can participate

Ages eligible
18 Years and older
Sexes eligible
All
Accepts healthy volunteers
No

Go through the criteria one by one — yes, no or not sure — and take the list to your doctor or the study team. Kept in this browser only.

Inclusion criteria

  • Diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis according to American College of Rheumatology criteria
  • Age 18-65 years
  • Both genders eligible
  • Disease duration of at least 6 months
  • Stable medication regimen for at least 3 months before study
  • Mild to moderate disease activity
  • Able to walk independently with or without assistive devices
  • Willing and able to provide
  • Agree to participate in the exercise program for 6 weeks
  • Attending AL-Najaf Teaching Hospital for RA management

Exclusion criteria

Exclusion Criteria:

  • Severe cardiovascular disease (unstable angina, recent MI, severe heart failure)
  • Other inflammatory arthritis (psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, lupus)-
  • Recent joint surgery or fracture within the past 6 months
  • Severe osteoporosis with fracture risk
  • Pregnancy
  • Severe cognitive impairment preventing participation
  • Uncontrolled hypertension (BP >180/110 mmHg)
  • Active infection or fever at baseline
  • Severe joint damage preventing exercise participation
  • Participation in another exercise program during the study period
  • Neuromuscular disorders affecting muscle function
Terms in these criteria, in plain language(1)

Underlined terms in the criteria open these too. Explained by clinicaltrials.gg, not part of the registry record. The study team decides who can take part.

Informed consent

Before you join, the study team explains what taking part involves — its purpose, what happens, the risks and possible benefits — and answers your questions, so you can decide freely. Consent is usually recorded on a form (the informed consent form, ICF) signed by you or, where the law allows, by someone legally authorised to decide for you.

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Study design

Phase
Not applicable
Primary purpose
Supportive care
Allocation
Non-randomized
Intervention model
Parallel assignment
Masking
Single (Participant)
Enrollment
118 participants (estimated)

Study arms

  • Active comparator
    Progressive Resistance Training Group

    Participants in this group will receive a supervised Progressive Resistance Training (PRT) program for 6 weeks. The intervention includes: * Resistance exercises 3 times per week * Sessions lasting 45-60 minutes each * Exercises targeting major muscle groups of upper and lower extremities * Use of resistance bands, light weights, and body weight exercises * Progressive intensity starting at 40-50% and increasing to 60-70% of maximum capacity * 8-12 repetitions per set, 2-3 sets per exercise * Supervised by trained physical therapist at AL-Najaf Teaching Hospital * Regular monitoring of pain, fatigue, and disease activity The program is designed to improve muscle strength in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis while maintaining safety and avoiding disease exacerbation.

    Other: Progressive Resistance Training

  • No intervention
    Control Group - Standard Care

Interventions

  • OtherProgressive Resistance Training

    Progressive Resistance Training (PRT) program for patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis. The intervention consists of supervised resistance exercises targeting major muscle groups of upper and lower extremities. Program Details: * Duration: 6 weeks * Frequency: 3 sessions per week * Session duration: 45-60 minutes * Setting: AL-Najaf Teaching Hospital Exercise Components: * Warm-up exercises (10 minutes) * Resistance training using resistance bands, light weights, and body weight exercises (30-40 minutes) * Cool-down and stretching (10 minutes) Progression Method: * Intensity starts at 40-50% of maximum capacity * Gradually increases to 60-70% over 6 weeks * Repetitions: 8-12 per set * Sets: 2-3 sets per exercise * Exercises adjusted based on individual tolerance and disease activity Supervision: Trained physical therapist/nurse supervision with regular monitoring of pain levels, fatigue, and joint swelling. The program is designed specifically for RA patients with mild to moderate

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What researchers measure

Primary outcomes

  1. Change in Muscle Strength from Baseline to 6 Weeks

    Muscle strength will be measured using manual muscle testing or dynamometer for upper and lower extremities

    Time frame: Baseline and 6 weeks post-intervention

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Study locations

No study locations are listed for this record.

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References and documents

Individual participant data

Plan to share: Undecided

No publications or documents are linked to this record.

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Updates

Tracking since Sep 25, 2026
No changes since tracking began. The registry record was last updated on Apr 1, 2026, before this site started recording changes on Sep 25, 2026. Its history is on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗
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Registry details

Key details

Study ID
NCT07487779
Lead sponsor
Kufa University
Responsible party
Mohammed Hakim Shamran Al-Hchaim (Assistant Professor of Nursing, Kufa University) — Principal investigator
First posted
Mar 23, 2026
Start date
Apr 1, 2026 (estimated)
Primary completion
May 1, 2026 (estimated)
Completion
Jul 1, 2026 (estimated)
Last update
Apr 1, 2026

Study contacts

Mohammed Hakim Shamran
Contact
muhammedh.alhjem@uokufa.edu.iq
+9647809417841

Oversight

Data monitoring committee
No
FDA-regulated drug
No
FDA-regulated device
No
View the source record on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

Not currently enrolling

This study is not yet recruiting, as verified in Mar 2026. You cannot join it, but the record below documents what was studied.

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