Biopsychosocial model-based exercise improves muscle strength, proprioception, pain, function, and quality of life in rheumatoid arthritis patients with knee involvement: a randomized controlled clinical tiral.

This randomized controlled study aims to evaluate the effects of BETY (Bilişsel Egzersiz Terapi Yaklaşımı-Cognitive Exercise Therapy Approach in English) as a biopsychosocial model-based exercise approach on knee joint proprioception and other biopsychosocial characteristics through telerehabilitation in individuals with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA). The study included 19 female (10 Training Group, 9 Control Group) individuals diagnosed with RA. Individuals participated in BETY group sessions via telerehabilitation for one hour, three days a week for three months. The primary outcome measures were the BETY-Biopsychosocial Questionnaire (BETY-BQ) and Proprioception assessment via Biodex System III Isokinetic Dynamometer and the secondary outcome measures were the McGill Pain Questionnaire- Short Form, Western Ontario-Mcmaster University Osteoarthritis Index, Health Assessment Questionnaire, Falls Efficacy Scale, World Health Organization Quality Of Life Scale-Short Form (WHOQOL-BREF), 6-Min Walk Test, Time Up And Go Test and 10-Step Stair Climbing Test were used. There were no differences between the groups in terms of demographic characteristics. Improvements were found in favor of the post-treatment training group in TUG, 10-SCT, 6MWT distance, BETY-BQ sleep, WHOQOL-BREF social relations, knee proprioception, and muscle strength measurements (p < 0.05). In this study, BETY was presented to the literature with its positive impact on muscle strength and proprioception, functional capacity, pain, mood, quality of life, and biopsychosocial status in RA patients with knee involvement.Trial registration: NCT06887725.