Maura D Iversen1, Lauren Scanlon2, Michelle Frits3, Nancy A Shadick4, Nancy Sharby2. 1. Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, 301 C RB, Boston, MA 02115, USA ; Section of Clinical Sciences, Division of Rheumatology, Immunology & Allergy, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA ; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA. 2. Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, 301 C RB, Boston, MA 02115, USA. 3. Section of Clinical Sciences, Division of Rheumatology, Immunology & Allergy, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA. 4. Section of Clinical Sciences, Division of Rheumatology, Immunology & Allergy, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA ; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
Abstract
AIM: Physical activity (PA) among adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is suboptimal. This study assessed PA motivations and perceptions in adults with RA and rheumatologists. METHODS: Patients and rheumatologists participated in structured interviews led by a behavioral scientist. Sessions were audiotaped, transcribed and coded. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients (mean age = 63 [standard deviation = 10], 96% female) and seven rheumatologists (57% male, 29% fellows) participated. Nine themes emerged: communication with the rheumatologist, environment/access, symptom management, social support, mental health, breaking inactivity cycles, integrating PA into routines, staying in control and challenge/intimidation. Highly active patients viewed PA differently than low active patients. The need to compete with RA-free individuals may impede PA. CONCLUSION: Understanding how patients conceptualize PA will enable clinicians to formulate PA strategies to motivate patients.
AIM: Physical activity (PA) among adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is suboptimal. This study assessed PA motivations and perceptions in adults with RA and rheumatologists. METHODS:Patients and rheumatologists participated in structured interviews led by a behavioral scientist. Sessions were audiotaped, transcribed and coded. RESULTS: Twenty-three patients (mean age = 63 [standard deviation = 10], 96% female) and seven rheumatologists (57% male, 29% fellows) participated. Nine themes emerged: communication with the rheumatologist, environment/access, symptom management, social support, mental health, breaking inactivity cycles, integrating PA into routines, staying in control and challenge/intimidation. Highly active patients viewed PA differently than low active patients. The need to compete with RA-free individuals may impede PA. CONCLUSION: Understanding how patients conceptualize PA will enable clinicians to formulate PA strategies to motivate patients.
Authors: Emalie Hurkmans; Florus J van der Giesen; Thea Pm Vliet Vlieland; Jan Schoones; E C H M Van den Ende Journal: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Date: 2009-10-07