**4. Conclusion**

Compelling evidence suggests that physiologic exercise exerts beneficial effects in rheumatoid arthritis patients that not only increases quality of life but also suppresses disease activity. The beneficial effects are dependent on the mechanical nature of exercise, including the loading intensity, frequency, and duration. Exercise regimens may have varying effects with age and stage of disease. Furthermore, elucidating mechanisms underlying these beneficial effects of exercise may lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies to prevent joint destruction in rheumatoid arthritis.
