Effects of home exercise on sleep quality in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Objectives: Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory rheumatic disease characterized by bilateral symmetrical poliarthritis involving the synovial joints. Sleep problems are more common in rheumatoid arthritis patients than in the normal population. Disturbances in sleep quality can cause significant problems for patients by affecting the quality of life. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the sleep quality of patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis, to determine sleep disorders and to see the effects of an 8 week home exercise program on sleep quality. Materials and Methods: We have included 40 patients who were identified as Rheumatoid Arthritis according to ACR / EULAR classification criteria, who applied to the Outpatient Clinics of the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department of Manisa Celal Bayar University Hafsa Sultan Hospital between 01 March 2020 and 30 September 2020. The patients were divided into 2 groups, as 20 patients in the exercise group and 20 patients in the control group, according to the randomization scheme reached via the internet. In addition to the current medical treatments, the exercise group was asked to apply an exercise program, mainly consisting of aerobic, range of motion, stretching and strengthening exercises, 8 week home programs and a minimum frequency of 3 days/week. No intervention in the control group. The control group was given an exercise program at the end of 8 weeks. A pedometer was given to all patients to measure and record their daily step count. The patients were evaluated at the beginning and at the 8th week in terms of Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, quality of life (SF-36), Health evaluation questionnaire, and DAS28 disease activity at the beginning and at the 8th week.