To investigate the effects of resistance training on the health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) of patients with rheumatic diseases through a systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-regression.
Until 31 August 2018, systematic searches were carried out in the following databases: PubMed, Web of Science, SportDiscus, Scopus, and Cochrane Library. Clinical trials examining the effects of resistance training on the HR-QoL of patients with rheumatic diseases were collected. The effects were calculated using the standardized mean difference of HR-QoL and the domains of the Short Form Health Survey 36 (SF-36) questionnaire (i.e., physical component, mental component, functional capacity, limitations due to physical aspects, limitations due to emotional aspects, social aspects, mental health, general health, pain and vitality).
A total of 32 studies were included. The studies analyzed the general HR-QoL by using several instruments, with many of them using SF-36. The meta-analysis included 29 studies, and the results indicated that resistance training improves the general HR-QoL (p < 0.01, d = -0.50, 95% CI: -0.70 to -0.30), the physical role functioning (p < 0.01, d = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.20 to 0.61), physical functioning, social aspects, and body pain (p = 0.03, d = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.09 to 01.34; p = 0.04, d = 0.27, 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.53; and p = 0.01, d = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.07 to 0.55, respectively) compared with control group.
The findings suggest that resistance training effectively improves the HR-QoL of patients with rheumatic diseases, including physical role functioning, physical functioning, social aspects, and body pain. Further studies are needed on some of the rheumatic diseases, particularly chronic fatigue and lupus.