The effect of functional training on the health of rheumatic patients

The main objective of this study was to establish the extent of regular functional training and its effect on perceived health assessment, resource assessment as well as anxiety and self-effectiveness of rheumatic patients. The methodology was based on a quasi-experimental investigation design in which eleven test-persons underwent special functional training once weekly, for six months. A further group (n = 9) formed the control group not undergoing treatment. The data, including health and resource assessment, anxiety and self effectiveness, was collected in both groups at the beginning and at the end of the six months investigation period. According to the results, the test persons in the experimental group benefited from the interventions concerning sub-dimensions of health assessment as well as in the mastering of the intervention resources. The same benefits were not noticeable in the control group. Moreover, against our expectations, the patients in the experimental group benefited over time (stable) with regard to anxiety and self effectiveness. The findings reveal that, the support and extension of rehabilitative sports measures is necessary for improving the life quality of rheumatic patients.