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Published on: July 14, 2023
The exercise experience in adults with arthritis: a qualitative approach
Cheryl A Der Ananian1, Sara Wilcox, Jill Abbott
1Institute for Health Research and Policy, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1747 Roosevelt Road, Chicago, IL 60608, USA. cderanan@uic.edu
Objective:
To examine perceptions of exercise prior to arthritis, the ways in which arthritis affects exercise behavior, and current exercise behaviors in people with arthritis.
Methods:
Qualitative analyses were used to identify themes in 12 focus groups segmented by exercise status, education, and race.
Results:
Non exercisers identified arthritis as a factor in exercise cessation. Exercisers described making changes in type, duration, intensity, and approach to exercise after diagnosis. Exercisers also described participating in a wide range of activities, whereas nonexercisers primarily cited walking.
Conclusions:
Intervention and marketing strategies should focus on different capabilities of exercisers and nonexercisers to modify exercise routines to accommodate arthritis.