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In Australia, rheumatoid arthritis is the second most common form of arthritis, affecting more than 450,000 people. Globally, more than 18 million people live with the condition. Women are two to three times more likely to get rheumatoid arthritis than men.

A novel exercise intervention being trialled by the researchers, in partnership with , could help improve physical function and quality of life in people struggling with this debilitating condition.

The researchers are exploring the potential of blood flow restriction (BFR) training to improve the strength and mobility of people with rheumatoid arthritis. BFR training is an exercise technique where people wear pressurised bands聽鈥� much like blood pressure cuffs聽鈥� to slow blood flow to muscles while they train. The cuff allows blood flow into the limb but delays its exit, which helps develop muscle strength without the need for heavy weights.

UniSA鈥檚 Dr Hunter Bennett, an exercise scientist, said the research hopes to identify interventions that could improve the quality of life for people with rheumatoid arthritis.

鈥淩heumatoid arthritis can be a particularly debilitating disease. It鈥檚 caused by the immune system attacking healthy tissues, which leads to pain and swelling, joint degradation and a loss of muscle mass and strength,鈥� Bennett said.

鈥淲hile medicines can reduce the symptoms, they don鈥檛 address loss of muscle strength and function.

鈥淭he best way to increase strength and counteract muscle loss is through resistance training, but this is often problematic for people with rheumatoid arthritis because of pain, fatigue or risk of injury.

鈥淏lood flow restriction training offers an alternative. BFR is used across many sporting and rehabilitation settings in Australia and is considered a safe and effective method for improving strength and function across many clinical populations, including people with osteoarthritis.

鈥淎s this technique uses very low loads, it鈥檚 a viable option for people with rheumatoid arthritis. So, in our study, we鈥檙e looking at how BFR could increase people鈥檚 strength, and hopefully increase their movement and overall wellbeing.鈥�

The research team is currently from women and men aged 45鈥�75 years with diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis.

Image credit: iStockphoto.com/andreswd