BACKGROUND: Organized exercise programs for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are useful to enhance physical activity and fitness. However, participation and adherence rates of these programs are low. This study aimed to identify demographic, personal and disease-related factors interfering with implementing an exercise program for RA. METHODS: A random sample of ambulatory RA patients from a single centre was divided into two groups, depending on their willingness to participate in an exercise program. Subsequently, demographic data (gender, age, disease duration and educational level) and disease-related and personal factors were obtained (Disease Activity Score; Short Form 36 [SF-36]; Health Assessment Questionnaire; Global Disease Activity; and also the Utrecht Coping List [UCL], Illness Cognition Questionnaire; TAMPA scale and modified Baecke questionnaire). RESULTS: Of the 154 people completing the survey, 113 (73%) indicated that they were willing to participate in an exercise program. These positive responders (PR) were more often female (p<0.05), and had a higher educational level (p<0.05). In the negative responders (NR), higher scores were found in the general health perception (54.7; [SD 18.3] versus 47.4; [SD 20.8]) and vitality (61.6 [SD 19.8] versus 53.7 [SD 20.1] sections of the SF-36, and a lower score was found on the reassuring thoughts subscale of the UCL (11.9 [SD 2.7] versus 12.9 [SD 2.7]) compared with the PR (all p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Although few differences were found between the groups, some insights regarding pitfalls in implementing an exercise program were highlighted. Further insights into external and personal motivators for patients are needed.
BACKGROUND: Organized exercise programs for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are useful to enhance physical activity and fitness. However, participation and adherence rates of these programs are low. This study aimed to identify demographic, personal and disease-related factors interfering with implementing an exercise program for RA. METHODS: A random sample of ambulatory RApatients from a single centre was divided into two groups, depending on their willingness to participate in an exercise program. Subsequently, demographic data (gender, age, disease duration and educational level) and disease-related and personal factors were obtained (Disease Activity Score; Short Form 36 [SF-36]; Health Assessment Questionnaire; Global Disease Activity; and also the Utrecht Coping List [UCL], Illness Cognition Questionnaire; TAMPA scale and modified Baecke questionnaire). RESULTS: Of the 154 people completing the survey, 113 (73%) indicated that they were willing to participate in an exercise program. These positive responders (PR) were more often female (p<0.05), and had a higher educational level (p<0.05). In the negative responders (NR), higher scores were found in the general health perception (54.7; [SD 18.3] versus 47.4; [SD 20.8]) and vitality (61.6 [SD 19.8] versus 53.7 [SD 20.1] sections of the SF-36, and a lower score was found on the reassuring thoughts subscale of the UCL (11.9 [SD 2.7] versus 12.9 [SD 2.7]) compared with the PR (all p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Although few differences were found between the groups, some insights regarding pitfalls in implementing an exercise program were highlighted. Further insights into external and personal motivators for patients are needed.
Authors: Gordon J Hendry; Lindsay Bearne; Nadine E Foster; Emma Godfrey; Samantha Hider; Lisa Jolly; Helen Mason; Alex McConnachie; Iain B McInnes; Aimie Patience; Catherine Sackley; Mandeep Sekhon; Bethany Stanley; Marike van der Leeden; Anita E Williams; Jim Woodburn; Martijn P M Steultjens Journal: Pilot Feasibility Stud Date: 2022-05-30
Authors: Birgitta Nordgren; Cecilia Fridén; Ingrid Demmelmaier; Christina H Opava Journal: Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) Date: 2014-05 Impact factor: 4.794
Authors: Caroline A Flurey; Sarah Hewlett; Karen Rodham; Alan White; Robert Noddings; John R Kirwan Journal: Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken) Date: 2017-03 Impact factor: 4.794