Let’s talk about the MOST most underrated tool for RA fatigue: exercise, or integrating movement into your daily routine.
What does the research say about rheumatoid arthritis fatigue and exercise?
I know it’s unintuitive, but multiple randomized controlled trials show that when people with RA consistently engage in exercise, they have less fatigue, better sleep and even less brain fog (see Azeez et al, 2020 & Duncan, et al 2014 – full citations below!).
This is also one of the reasons “consistent engagement in exercise” was the only strongly recommended integrative health intervention for rheumatoid arthritis in the “2022 American College of Rheumatology Guideline for Exercise, Rehabilitation, Diet, and Additional Integrative Interventions for Rheumatoid Arthritis”
I started strength training and more consistent cardio exercise in September 2023 and I’ve honestly been shocked at how much it’s helped my fatigue AND my brain fog.
I’m going to talk more about exercise and other daily tools to reduce pain and increase joy at my upcoming webinar, the “Day in the Life with of Arthritis Life hacks Master Class” – be sure to sign up at the link in my bio or bit.ly/lifehack24 (all lowercase)!
CITATIONS:
- Azeez M, Clancy C, O’Dwyer T, Lahiff C, Wilson F, Cunnane G. Benefits of exercise in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a randomized controlled trial of a patient-specific exercise programme. Clin Rheumatol. 2020 Jun;39(6):1783-1792. doi: 10.1007/s10067-020-04937-4. Epub 2020 Feb 8. PMID: 32036584.
- Duncan, L, Wilson, F. and Cunnane, G. “The Effect of Exercise on Sleep and Fatigue in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Randomized Controlled Study.” The Journal of Rheumatology Oct 2014, 41 (10) 1966-1973; DOI: 10.3899/jrheum.131282
- England BR, et al. 2022 American College of Rheumatology Guideline for Exercise, Rehabilitation, Diet, and Additional Integrative Interventions for Rheumatoid Arthritis. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2023 Aug;75(8):1603-1615. doi: 10.1002/acr.25117. Epub 2023 May 25. PMID: 37227116.
