EULAR PARE: Physical activity at home for people with RMDs

During challenging times but also beyond, it is essential for the physical and mental health, and well-being of people with RMDs to stay active. Therefore, EULAR PARE provides you this repository of useful resources from PARE member organisations and other trustworthy sources about physical activities at home for people with RMDs. Still, people with RMDs should consult their doctor and/or health professional before starting any new physical activity.

EULAR exercise programme suggestions for people with Lupus as well as other RMDs

Source: Lupus Europe^[*]

Introduction video^[*]: In collaboration with trained physical therapists Lupus Europe has developed an exercise program in five levels which has been endorsed by leading European Lupologists.

Exercise level 1 (Lying down)^[*]:This level is for when you feel unable to get out of bed for one reason or another or feel more comfortable lying down. This should be your starting point, if you are not used to exercising. The exercises can be done while lying in bed or on a mat on the floor. You can increase the difficulty of some of the exercises by using waterbottles or dumbbells.

Exercise level 2 (Seated)^[*]: This level is for when you are able to sit on a chair or are in a wheel chair but cannot stand up for longer periods of time. For this program you will need a kitchen chair or similar. You can increase the difficulty of some of the exercises by using an elastic band, water bottles or dumbbells.

Exercise level 3 (Standing)^[*]: This level is for when you are able to stand up, but not walk for longer periods of time. For this program you will need a kitchen chair or similar, a floor mat and a wall to lean against.

Exercise level 4 (Standing-walking)^[*]: This level is for when you are able to walk for longer periods of time, but not run or do high impact exercise. For this program you will need a floor mat and a wall to lean against. You can increase the difficulty of some of the exercises by using an elastic band, water bottles or dumbbells.

Exercise level 5 (Standing-walking-jumping)^[*]: This level is for when you are able to run a bit, jump and do high impact exercise. For this program you will need a floor mat. You can increase the difficulty of some of the exercises by using a kettle bell, water bottles or dumbbells.

EULAR exercise programme suggestions for people with Parkinson’s as well as RMDs

Source: Step up for Parkinson's Malta / Arthritis and Rheumatism Association Malta^[*]

Gentle warm-up and breathing exercises (seated on a chair)^[*]
These exercises are specifically made for the elderly and those who are less mobile. They consist of gentle movements and breathing exercises to stay active at home.
Video 2: Seated Dance 'Beyond the Sea'^[*]

Gentle cooling down and breathing exercises (seated on a chair)^[*]: This exercise is specifically made for the elderly and those who are less mobile. Gentle movements and breathing exercises to stay active at home.

Coordination exercises with gentle movements and breathing, specifically for children (standing up)^[*]: This exercise is specifically made for children. Gentle movements and breathing exercises to stay active at home.

EULAR exercise programme suggestions for people with RMDs (in German)

Source: Deutsche Rheuma-Liga^[*]

Simple exercises for those who stay at home or sit in the office for a long time^[*]

Programme of exercises for back pain^[*]

More to come soon!

^[*]External link

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