Understanding physical activity participation in people living with rheumatoid arthritis

We examined self-reported physical activity (PA) levels [metabolic equivalents expended (METs)/week and muscle strengthening/resistance activities] in Australians with RA and explored related factors.

A cross-sectional questionnaire assessed whether participants met PA guidelines-defined as >600 METs-min/week of activity and two or more muscle strengthening sessions/week of at least 10 min duration. The questionnaire also collected demographics, RA characteristics including disease activity using the RAPID3 assessment, barriers and support from health professionals. Results were compared between those who did and did not meet the guidelines.

Most participants [120/180 (67%)] expended >600 METs/week but only 29% (53/180) participated in muscle strengthening/resistance activities at least twice a week for >10 min at a time. Less than a quarter [43/180 (24%)] were considered to be meeting PA guidelines (i.e. both the METs and muscle strengthening guidelines) and those who did were less likely to have high disease activity as per the RAPID3 Disease Activity Score (4.7% vs 6.6%; P = 0.003). A lower proportion of those who met the PA guidelines reported RA symptoms as a barrier compared with those who did not meet the guidelines (42% vs 84%; P = 0.03) and a higher proportion reported confidence in their ability to exercise safely (51% vs 31%; P = 0.02). They were also more likely to have received information from health professionals regarding PA that they perceived to be useful (65.1% vs 40.2%; P = 0.0004). Those who met the PA guidelines were more likely to believe it was possible to meet the recommendations for muscle strengthening (74.4% vs 48.9%; P = 0.006).

Most people with RA are not meeting full PA guidelines, largely due to low muscle-strengthening activity. Disease activity, confidence and professional support appear to be associated with PA participation.