A short term intensive exercise program has been shown to be more effective in improving muscle strength than a conservative exercise program in a group of patients with rheumatoid arthritis. In a randomized clinical trial, 64 arthritis patients with a mean age of 60 were assigned to either an intensive (muscle strengthening exercises five times a week and bicycle training three times a week) or conservative (range of motion and isometric exercises) exercise program, all supervised by a physiotherapist. At 24 weeks, both groups improved in measure of disease activity, and the differences between groups were not statistically significant. However at 24 weeks the intensive exercise group improved significantly in physical functioning and muscle strength.

References
Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases 2000
Aug; 59(8):615-21