Evaluation of the Use of Physical Exercises in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: An Integrative Review

Abstract

Introduction: Introduction: Rheumatoid arthritis is a systemic disease that affects the joints, causing pain and degeneration, as well as cardiovascular and pulmonary manifestations. Despite available treatments, there remains a need for greater consensus on non-pharmacological therapies, especially physical exercise. Objective: To synthesize the evidence on the effects of therapeutic exercise programs on clinical and functional outcomes in adults with rheumatoid arthritis, including functionality, pain, fatigue, muscle strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, disease activity, quality of life, and inflammatory markers. Methods: This is an integrative literature review conducted in the PubMed/MEDLINE, LILACS, SciELO, CINAHL, PEDro, and Web of Science databases. The search used the following subject headings: “Rheumatoid Arthritis,” “Exercise Therapy,” “Exercise,” “Physical Exercise,” “Resistance Training,” “Aerobic Exercise,” “Physical Activity,” and “Rehabilitation.” We included randomized clinical trials conducted from 2015 through August 3, 2026, involving adults with rheumatoid arthritis, with full-text articles available and no language restrictions. Data were extracted into a spreadsheet, analyzed descriptively, and methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro Scale. Results: Eight studies comprised the sample. Improved functional capacity was the most consistent finding, favorable outcomes for pain, fatigue, muscle strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, and quality of life were observed in specific trials, while disease activity remained stable in some studies and decreased in others. Conclusion: The results indicate that exercise may contribute to clinical and functional outcomes as a complementary strategy to drug therapy; however, the heterogeneity of the protocols and methodological limitations prevent the identification of a superior exercise modality. Exercise prescriptions should be individualized according to the patient’s clinical and functional conditions.