RA Patients Share Views on HIIT
January 14, 2026
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4 min
8 Key Takeaways
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1
Study focused on patients with rheumatoid arthritis and HIIT.
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2
Included 20 patients, primarily women.
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3
Patients reported improved physical and mental well-being.
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4
Barriers to exercise included lack of motivation and life demands.
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5
Importance of physiotherapist guidance highlighted.
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6
Patients emphasized ongoing support for sustained exercise.
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7
Study limited to those with low-to-moderate RA activity.
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8
Professional guidance and social support critical to exercise adherence.
A qualitative study in BMJ Open by Gunilla Limbäck, PhD, and colleagues from the University of Gothenburg examined the experiences of 20 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) undergoing supervised high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Interviews conducted 3 to 6 months post-program revealed both motivating factors and barriers to sustaining exercise. While many perceived improvements in physical capacity and mental well-being, some struggled with motivation afterwards. The findings emphasize the need for ongoing support and tailored exercise programs for RA patients.
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