Association of Adult Atopic Dermatitis Severity With Decreased Physical Activity: A Cross-sectional Study

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is associated with chronic pruritus, skin pain, sleep deprivation, depression, and anxiety, which may lead to decreased physical activity (PA). The aim of the study is to elucidate the impact of disease and itch severity on PA in adult AD. This is a prospective dermatology practice-based study of 955 AD patients (ages 18-97 years). In multivariable logistic regression models controlling for age, sex, race/ethnicity, and asthma history, patient-reported global AD severity (PtGA), Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure, Eczema Area and Severity Index (EASI), and Investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) were associated with itch impairing light PA, moderate PA, and vigorous PA, as well as higher Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Itch Questionnaire PA T-scores. Higher objective Scoring AD (O-SCORAD) was associated with itch impairing moderate PA. In bivariable analyses, performing greater than or equal to 30 minutes of light PA greater than or equal to 1 day a week was decreased with higher PtGA, Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure, and EASI; greater than or equal to 30 minutes of moderate PA greater than or equal to 1 day a week was decreased with PtGA, EASI, O-SCORAD, and IGA; and greater than equal to 30 minutes of vigorous PA was decreased with patient-reported AD severity, EASI, O-SCORAD, and IGA. In multivariable logistic regression models, the impact of itch on PA was inversely associated with light PA, moderate PA, and vigorous PA. Adult AD patients with more severe disease have decreased levels of PA secondary to itch.