Objective To explore the effect of aquatic resistance training on functional rehabilitation of hand and foot joints for home-based patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Methods A total of 71 outpatients with rheumatoid arthritis were divided into an intervention group （n=35） and a control group （n=36） according to visiting in an odd-numbered or even-numbered date.The control group accepted routine nursing and joint function training, while the intervention group additionally received aquatic resistance training for 30 to 60 minutes each day, and trained at least 3 times each week.The mean two-hand grip strength, dysfunction, pain, fatigue score and morning stiffness time of the two groups were compared before and after the intervention. Results After the training, the mean two-hand grip strength of the intervention group was significantly higher than that of the control group, and the score of dysfunction, pain, fatigue and morning stiffness time of the intervention group were significantly lower or shorter than those of the control group （P＜0.05,P＜0.01）. Conclusion Implementation of the aquatic resistance training for home-based patients with rheumatoid arthritis is conducive to promoting rehabilitation of hand and foot joint function, improving the related symptoms, then enhancing their physical function and daily living ability.