A total of 31 studies were included.
There were 12 studies of mixed populations (n=4,026): 8 randomised controlled studies, 3 studies with control groups, and 1 study with no control.
There were 19 studies of patients with RA only (n=926): 11 randomised controlled studies, 3 studies with control groups, and 5 studies with no control.
The results presented were from studies analysing the differences in changes between the intervention and control groups.
Knowledge.
In the mixed population, 5 out of 6 interventions showed short-term positive effects; the only intervention studied in the long-term also showed a positive effect. For studies of RA patients, positive effects were observed for 4 of the 5 interventions studied in the short-term, and the only intervention studied in the long-term.
Behaviour.
In the mixed population, all interventions studied in the short-term (6) and the long-term (1) showed positive effects. For studies of RA patients, 2 out of 5 interventions showed short-term positive effects and 3 out of 4 showed long-term positive effects.
Physical health.
In the mixed population, 6 out of 8 interventions showed short-term positive effects, whilst 3 out of 4 showed long-term positive effects. For studies of RA patients, 7 out of 13 interventions showed short-term positive effects; long-term positive effects were only observed for 1 of the 7 interventions studied.
Psychosocial health.
In the mixed population, 2 out of 6 interventions showed short-term positive effects; the only intervention studied in the long-term also showed a positive effect. For studies of RA patients, 3 out of 12 interventions showed short-term postive effects, whilst only 1 of the 6 interventions studied showed long-term positive effects.