New research has found that a supervised exercise program can have beneficial effects on the physical function and reduce the need for corticosteroid medications in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

The study, which was conducted by Portuguese scientists, also noted an improvement in levels of depression and anxiety in RA sufferers.

The trial involved a three-month program of moderate aerobic and strengthening exercises conducted for 50-60 minutes three times per week.

At the end of the period, the researchers noted a 33 percent improvement in the Health Assessment Questionnaire disability index measurement of physical functioning which assesses the ability to undertake everyday activities such as dressing, eating and walking, and whether assistance from another person or disability aids is required.

Moreover, 62 percent of patients said they needed less corticosteroids, and 32 percent reported stopping concurrent non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) therapy following the exercise program.

Finally, nearly 40 percent of participants claimed improvement in depression symptoms.

"When joints are stiff and painful, proactively taking exercise might seem undesirable for people with RA," says Dr. Miguel Sousa of Instituto Portugues de Rheumatology in Lisbon.

"However, our study has demonstrated that regular and supervised moderate aerobic and strengthening exercises may be extremely beneficial for both a patient’s physical and mental health, with a corresponding effect on quality of life," he adds.

Specialized dietary regimes, such as the alkaline diet, may also bring relief for those suffering from bone or joint disorders.