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Final Program


Schedule at a Glance
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Program: Scientific Session
General Topic: ARP

High-Intensity Training in Rheumatology: Impacts on Cardiovascular Health, Physical Function, and Immune Response

Sunday, October 26, 2025
2:45 PM – 3:45 PM Central Time

    Moderator(s)

  • Yvonne Golightly, PhD,MS,PT

    University of Nebraska Medical Center
    Omaha, Nebraska, United States

    Disclosure(s): No financial relationships with ineligible companies to disclose

  • Louise Thoma, PhD, DPT

    University of North Carolina
    Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States

    Disclosure information not submitted.

    • Session Coordinator(s)

  • Louise Thoma, PhD, DPT

    University of North Carolina
    Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States

    Disclosure information not submitted.

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) is gaining recognition as a safe and effective intervention for people with rheumatic conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory arthropathies. Emerging research highlights the role of HIIT in improving cardiovascular health, enhancing physical function, and modulating immune response without exacerbating disease activity. This session will review key findings on the benefits of HIIT, including its effects on VO₂ max, muscle strength, inflammation, and immune function. Attendees will also learn how to tailor HIIT protocols for different patient populations, implement safety monitoring strategies, and integrate HIIT into comprehensive treatment plans. The session will conclude with a discussion on future research directions, including its potential applications for other rheumatologic conditions.

Learning Objectives:

  • Describe the evidence regarding the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on cardiovascular health, physical function, and immune function in people with inflammatory rheumatic diseases
  • Identify key safety considerations and best practices for implementing HIIT in clinical settings
  • List strategies for integrating HIIT into personalized rehabilitation and disease management plans

Presentations:

  • 2:45 PM – 3:15 PM Central Time
    High-Intensity Exercise in Inflammatory Arthritis

    Speaker: Kim M. Huffman, MD, PhD – Duke University School of Medicine

  • 3:15 PM – 3:45 PM Central Time
    High-Intensity Exercise in Myositis and Other Rheumatic Conditions

    Speaker: Helene Alexanderson, PhD, PT – Karolinska University Hospital