[Significance of physical activity for the patient with rheumatism--some psychosomatic reflections]

Psychosomatic studies in patients with rheumatic diseases have shown the great importance of physical activity. Both educational and constitutional factors play a major role. The early inhibition of physical activity and the suppression of aggressive impulses are responsible for a typical personality structure of the patients. Physical activity is considered to be a substitute for impaired aggressivity and a defense mechanism against depressivity. These factors are clarified by a case report of a patient with rheumatoid arthritis. Practical implications for the management of patients with rheumatic diseases are demonstrated.