Recreational exercise in arthritis.

For the person with arthritis, the consequences of prolonged inactivity add measurably, and unnecessarily, to disease-related impairments, functional limitation, and disability. Inadequate levels of regular physical activity also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. This article reviews the benefits of regular physical activity for general health as well as the literature on conditioning exercise in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis. Recommendations and guidelines are given for including conditioning exercise in comprehensive management.