Physical Activity Levels in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Lukovic Sretko, Baralic Marko, Tomonjic Nina, Mihailovic Jovana, Neskovic Aleksandra, Sestakov Marina Vujovic, Pavlovic Ivana, Barac Branko, Zivanovic Radnic Tatjana, Ostojic Predrag
Primary Institution: Institute of Rheumatology, Belgrade, Serbia
Hypothesis
What is the level of physical activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and what barriers do they face?
Conclusion
Higher levels of physical activity in rheumatoid arthritis patients are associated with better disease control and fewer symptoms of fatigue and depression.
Supporting Evidence
- 12% of patients had low physical activity levels.
- 53% of patients had moderate physical activity levels.
- 35% of patients had high physical activity levels.
- Fatigue was significantly associated with low physical activity.
- Kinesiophobia was present in all groups, affecting activity levels.
- Patients with low physical activity had a higher risk of sarcopenia.
Takeaway
This study found that patients with rheumatoid arthritis who are more active feel better and have fewer health problems. But many still fear exercising.
Methodology
The study used questionnaires to assess physical activity levels and associated factors in 132 rheumatoid arthritis patients.
Potential Biases
Self-reported measures for physical activity and depression may lead to reporting bias.
Limitations
The cross-sectional design limits causal inferences, and self-reported measures may introduce bias.
Participant Demographics
The cohort consisted of 109 women (82.6%) and 23 men (17.4%), with a median age of 43 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.002
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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