Barriers and facilitators to exercise-based rehabilitation in people with musculoskeletal conditions: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Exercise-based rehabilitation is the first line of treatment for people with musculoskeletal conditions. However, uptake and adherence are suboptimal, compromising the success of rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVES

To identify the barriers and facilitators that influence adherence to exercise-based rehabilitation in people with musculoskeletal conditions. Additionally, to identify the methods and instruments used to determine these barriers and facilitators.

DESIGN

Systematic review METHODS: Five databases from inception to May 2024 using terms related to exercise, musculoskeletal conditions, methods, barriers and facilitators. Risk of bias was assessed using either the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale or Cochrane risk of bias tool. Using an inductive thematic approach, barriers and facilitators were grouped into intrapersonal, interpersonal and community factors. Methods/instruments were categorized into three groups, being questionnaires, interviews and focus-groups.

RESULTS

Eighty-one of 8380 studies were included. The majority of studies were of good or fair quality (95%). The most frequently identified barriers were lack of time (53%), pain (45%) and health (40%). The most frequent facilitators were self-efficacy (42%), perceived health benefits (32%) and previous experiences (30%). The methods used were interviews (n = 53), questionnaires (n = 44) and focus groups (n = 10).

CONCLUSION

Most barriers and facilitators to exercise were related to intrapersonal factors. Although there is a lack of consistency in instruments used, the reported barriers and facilitators were similar across studies. Clinicians and researchers should consider intrapersonal factors when promoting exercise-based rehabilitation programs. Applying a theoretical framework to investigate barriers and facilitators to exercise-based rehabilitation in people with musculoskeletal conditions might assist practitioners to prioritize their practice.

Maintaining good mental health in people with inflammatory arthritis: a qualitative study of patients' perspectives

PURPOSE

It is well-documented that people with inflammatory arthritis (IA) exhibit a high prevalence of symptoms related to anxiety and depression. Less is known about what contributes to good mental health in people with IA. Therefore, this study aims to explore how some patients maintain good mental health despite living with IA.

METHODS

Explorative qualitative interview study (one focus group, 12 individual interviews, n = 18) utilizing purposeful sampling. All interviews were audiotaped, transcribed, and managed using NVivo14 and employed a reflexive thematical analysis approach.

RESULTS

We identified four main themes: 1) Assisted by a positive outlook on life-how participants' inherent positivity helped them cope with arthritis; 2) Moving towards acceptance of life with arthritis-how participants embraced the reality of living with IA; 3) Counteracting letting arthritis dictate one's life how the participants structured their lives in terms of physical activity and social connections; and 4) Taking responsibility for the trajectory-how the participants were mindful of their bodies and took the initiative to explore new treatments.

CONCLUSION

People living with IA maintain good mental health by engaging in structured physical activity, fostering social connections, and cultivating a positive outlook on life. These insights can inform the development of future treatment and support strategies.

Understanding Adult's Experiences and Perceptions of How to Maintain Physical Activity: A Systematic Review and Qualitative Synthesis

BACKGROUND

Many adults do not meet physical activity recommendations for optimal health, and this is often because people find it difficult to maintain physical activity in the long term. This study focuses on identifying and synthesising factors that may influence the maintenance of physical activity in adults with and without known health conditions.

METHOD

A systematic review and qualitative synthesis using thematic analysis was conducted. Four databases (MEDLINE, SPORT Discus, APA, and Web of Science) were systematically searched for studies published from inception to February 2023 that included qualitative data about people's experiences of maintaining physical activity.

RESULTS

A total of 9337 abstracts were screened and 68 studies from 14 countries were included. Six main themes were identified: (1) influence of others (e.g. four forms of social support, accountability); (2) contextual and environmental influences (e.g. cost and access of physical activity, weather); (3) health-related influences (e.g. reflexivity about how physical activity improves health conditions, weight control); (4) making it work (e.g. flexibility, prioritising exercise); (5) habits; and (6) psychological processes (e.g. enjoyment, identifying as a physically active person).

CONCLUSION

People who maintained their participation in physical activity found it enjoyable, prioritised it, and integrated it into their daily routine. Participants were motivated to continue being physically active when they realised the benefits for their health. Social support, in particular companion support, was a key component facilitating continued engagement. Findings specific to maintenance of physical activity included reflexivity of how physical activity benefited health, flexibility, and identifying as a physically active person.

Effects of Exercise on Body Composition and Physical Function in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: Scoping Review

Background

In rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients, an adverse change in body composition, which usually results in muscle wasting and increased fat mass, is high, contributing to increased functional disability. There are indications that resistance and dynamic exercise interventions could improve body composition and functional capacity in RA patients and should be recommended to manage RA.

Purpose

The scoping literature review aimed to analyze available literature about the effects of exercise on body composition in RA patients. Secondly to identify the contribution of exercise to improve physical function in RA patients, thirdly to identify gaps in the literature about physical exercises and health outcomes in RA patients, and make recommendations for future research.

Methods

A scoping literature review design was employed following the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines. A systematic search of three databases (PubMed, CINAHL, and Scopus) for studies published from 2012 to 2022 was conducted. The words searched include "exercise intervention" AND "body fat" OR "muscle wasting" OR "lean body mass" AND "functional ability" OR "health assessments". The search strategy was limited to studies published in English on RA patients and exercise interventions.

Results

This search yielded 2693 studies, of which 11 met the inclusion criteria and were selected for review. The findings showed significant, positive effects of exercise interventions on RA patients' body composition and functional capacity, with exercise being highly beneficial. It is evident that high-intensity resistance exercise, as a stand-alone intervention, is feasible and safe for managing RA conditions.

Conclusion

Physical exercises, following scientific guidelines, should be included as an integrated approach to managing RA conditions.

Defining independence: A scoping review by the OMERACT patient perspective of remission in rheumatoid arthritis group

AIMS

The Outcome Measures in Rheumatology Trials (OMERACT) Remission in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) patient perspective working group has previously found that patients prioritised independence, pain, and fatigue as key domains of remission in RA. However, there is currently no clear definition of independence. Consequently, this scoping review aimed to explore how independence is represented in the RA literature.

METHODS

A comprehensive search of the EMBASE, Medline, and PsycInfo databases was performed for publications that used independence or autonomy as a disease activity measure, description of disease in remission or treatment outcome. Papers were included if they involved adult participants and were written in English, with no restrictions on study design or publication year. Two reviewers (TK and AC, AT or BJ) independently screened the abstracts. A thematic approach was applied to derive common definitions and descriptions of independence.

RESULTS

660 articles were identified, of which 58 (25 qualitative, 28 quantitative, one mixed, and four reviews) met the inclusion criteria. 86% of total participants were female. Ten publications referenced remission. Independence took many forms; in addition to physical and functional capability, it was described in relation to work, social activities, autonomy in healthcare, and household activities. Four common themes describing independence were identified: 1. A return to a state before arthritis. 2. Being physically and functionally able. 3. A sense of freedom without needing to rely on others. 4. Having control over the organisation of one's life.

CONCLUSION

Although independence is frequently mentioned in the RA literature, it has various meanings, lacks a consistent definition, and is a concept rarely applied to remission. It is multi-factorial, exceeding functional ability alone, and contextualised within sociodemographic and disease factors. This scoping review provides common descriptions of independence to inform future qualitative work towards the development of an outcome measure of independence for the assessment of RA in remission.

Do people with rheumatoid arthritis maintain their physical activity level at treatment onset over the first year of methotrexate therapy?

OBJECTIVES

To describe how many people with RA reduce their baseline physical activity level over the first year of MTX treatment, and which factors predict this.

METHODS

Data came from the Rheumatoid Arthritis Medication Study (RAMS), a prospective cohort of people with early RA starting MTX. Participants reported demographics and completed questionnaires at baseline, and 6 and 12 months, including reporting the number of days per week they performed ≥20 min of physical activity, coded as none, low (1-3 days) or high (4-7 days). The physical activity levels of participants over 12 months are described. Predictors of stopping physical activity were assessed using multivariable logistic regression.

RESULTS

In total, 1468 participants were included [median (interquartile range) age 60 (50, 69) years; 957 (65.2%) women]. At baseline, the physical activity levels of the people with RA were: none = 408 (27.8%), low = 518 (35.3%) and high = 542 (36.9%). Eighty percent of participants maintained some physical activity or began physical activity between assessments (baseline to 6 months = 79.3%, 6 months to 12 months = 80.7%). In total, 24.1% of participants reduced physical activity and 11.3% of participants stopped performing physical activity between baseline and 6 months (6 months to 12 months: 22.6% and 10.2%, respectively). Baseline smoking, higher disability and greater socioeconomic deprivation were associated with stopping physical activity.

CONCLUSION

Many people with early RA were not performing physical activity when starting MTX, or stopped performing physical activity over the first year of treatment. These people may require interventions to stay active. These interventions need to be mindful of socioeconomic barriers to physical activity participation.

The mSQUASH; a valid, reliable and responsive questionnaire for daily physical activity in patients with axial spondyloarthritis

AIM

Adaptation of the Short QUestionnaire to Assess Health-enhancing physical activity (SQUASH) in order to improve measurement properties in axSpA patients.

METHODS

The original SQUASH was adapted using a qualitative stepwise approach with in-depth interviews including healthcare professionals and patients. Content validity was explored by comparing modified-SQUASH (mSQUASH) and original SQUASH. Next, mSQUASH was validated according to the OMERACT filter. International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) was used as comparator and tri-axial accelerometer as gold standard for criterion validity and classification accuracy of intensity. Construct validity was assessed using Spearman correlations with clinical outcome assessments. For test-retest reliability, intra-class correlation coefficients (ICCs) were calculated. Responsiveness was assessed using standardized response mean (SRM), stratified by Anchor method.

RESULTS

The mSQUASH measured a systematically higher activity count and had less missing values (8% vs. 16%) then SQUASH. mSQUASH correlated better with accelerometer compared to IPAQ (ρ = 0.60 vs. ρ = 0.34). Accelerometer measured most activity in light intensity, whereas mSQUASH and IPAQ predominately measured moderate intensity. Correlations with ASDAS, BASDAI, BASFI and ASQoL were better for mSQUASH then IPAQ. Test-retest reliability was good in both questionnaires. In contrast to IPAQ, responsiveness was in correspondence with self-reported changes in physical activity for mSQUASH (SRM -0.84 for improvement and 0.88 for decrease). The average completion time of the mSQUASH was 7 minutes.

CONCLUSIONS

The development of the mSQUASH resulted in an easy applicable, valid, reliable and responsive questionnaire for the assessment of daily physical activity in axSpA patients, which can be used in research and daily clinical practice.

Physical activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis - an agile lifelong behaviour: a qualitative meta-synthesis

BACKGROUND

Physical activity (PA) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is considered a cornerstone in the treatment. To highlight aspects involved in supporting a positive PA behaviour, it is important to understand the patients' perceptions of the phenomenon.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this qualitative meta-synthesis was to explore and synthesise patient perceptions of PA in RA.

METHODS

A purposeful search was conducted across three online databases (PubMed, CINAHL and Web of Science). The methodological quality of the included studies was appraised, and data were extracted and analysed using an interpretive inductive thematic synthesis.

RESULTS

Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were included. PA was identified as an agile lifelong behaviour, with one main theme: The disease as a persistent catalyst for or against PA illustrating how the constant presence of the disease itself underlies the entire process of a life with or without regular PA. Seven subthemes: 'considering aggravated symptoms', 'acknowledging the impact on health', 'becoming empowered and taking action', 'keeping informed to increase awareness', 'creating body awareness', 'dealing with social support' and 'feeling satisfied with circumstances and achievements' were interpreted as facilitators and/or challenges.

CONCLUSION

This synthesis has identified PA as an agile lifelong behaviour in which the disease pervades all aspects of an individuals' perception of PA. Placed in a theoretical context, our findings outline a model for tailoring PA support to the drivers and determinants of a certain individual, which will improve clinical practice for the benefit of both health professionals and patients with RA.

A Mixed-Methods Evaluation of CARE (Cancer and Rehabilitation Exercise): A Physical Activity and Health Intervention, Delivered in a Community Football Trust

With increasing cancer survivorship has come an increased necessity to support people living with cancer (PLWC) to have a good quality of life including being physically active. Using mixed methods, the current study aimed to use the RE-AIM evaluation framework (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation and Maintenance) to determine how the football community trust delivered CARE (Cancer and Rehabilitation Exercise) intervention was able to increase participants' physical activity in order to improve their quality of life and regain physiological and psychological function. Quantitative outcome data were collected at baseline, 3 and 6 months using the Cancer Physical Activity Standard Evaluation Framework questionnaire. Semi-structured focus groups (n = 5) captured participants' (n = 40) lived experience of the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation, and maintenance of CARE. Questionnaire data were analysed using repeated measures ANOVAs and qualitative data were thematically analysed. Following diagnosis, CARE was successful in providing participants with a unique and accessible opportunity to become or restart physically activity, by providing a local, socially supportive, and inclusive environment. This resulted in significant increases in physical activity (F(1.58, 23) = 5.98, p = 0.009), quality of life (QoL) (F(2,36) = 13.12, p = 0.000) and significant reductions in fatigue (F(1.57,31) = 11.19, p = 0.000) over 6 months. Participants also reported becoming more active, recovering physical function, regaining independence, and enhanced psychological well-being as a result of attending CARE. Key design features of CARE were also identified across RE-AIM. CARE, a football community trust delivered physical activity intervention was successful in significantly improving participants' QoL and in regaining the physical and psychological functioning of people living with cancer. Results suggest that maintaining engagement in CARE for 6 months and beyond can support people to maintain these changes. Engaging in robust evaluations such as this can help organizations to successfully secure future funding for their programs.

"A Necessary Investment in Future Health": Perceptions of Physical Activity Maintenance Among People With Rheumatoid Arthritis

OBJECTIVE

A few studies with a qualitative design have addressed physical activity (PA) maintenance in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but none of them focused specifically on maintenance of PA according to public health recommendations. The purpose of this study was to describe perceptions of PA maintenance during the second year of an outsourced 2-year support program among people with RA.

METHODS

For this descriptive design with a qualitative inductive approach, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 18 participants with RA (3 men and 15 women). Variation in age, disease duration, activity limitation, pain, levels of PA, and PA maintenance was targeted through strategic sampling. Qualitative content analysis was used, and a pattern of theme, subthemes, and categories was constructed based on the participants' perceptions of PA maintenance.

RESULTS

A main overarching theme, "A necessary investment in future health"-with 3 subthemes of dedication, awareness, and affinity-was identified as participants' perceptions of PA maintenance. Eight categories further described are a changed mindset, habits, commitments, monitoring, insights in PA, health gains, social support, and PA context.

CONCLUSIONS

PA according to public health recommendations was perceived as a true investment in future health and wellness requiring dedication, awareness, and affinity. To promote PA maintenance, physical therapists working with people with chronic conditions should consider strengthening these prerequisites by targeting patients' negative attitudes to PA, supporting their creation of PA habits to incorporate in daily routines, introducing monitoring of PA intensity, supporting development of PA self-regulation skills, and providing suitable gym facilities with the possibility of peer support.

Development and initial validation of a questionnaire to assess facilitators and barriers to physical activity for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis and/or psoriatic arthritis

To develop and validate a self-administered questionnaire to identify in people with Inflammatory arthritis (IA) Facilitators And Barriers to Physical activity (PA): the IFAB questionnaire. The development of the questionnaire included a systematic review of barriers and facilitators to PA to identify key themes, face validity assessment by 11 experts, and cognitive debriefing with 14 patients. The psychometric properties of the questionnaire were assessed by convergent validity (Spearman correlation) against the modified Health Assessment Questionnaire (mHAQ), the Fear-Avoidance Beliefs Questionnaire subscale for PA and the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, internal consistency (Cronbach α) in 63 IA patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) or psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Reliability and feasibility were assessed in 32 IA patients. The questionnaire comprises 10 items: 4 assessing either barriers or facilitators, 3 assessing barriers, and 3 assessing facilitators. The items are related to psychological status (N = 6), social support (N = 2), disease (N = 1), environmental factors (N = 1). The validation study included 63 patients: 26 RA, 24 axSpA, 13 PsA; with mean age 52.8 (standard deviation 16.5) years, mean disease duration 12.5 (12.3) years, and 53% of women. The questionnaire was correlated (rho = 0.24) with mHAQ. Internal consistency (Cronbach α 0.69) and reliability (interclass coefficient 0.79 [95% confidence interval 0.59; 0.88]) were satisfactory, as was feasibility (missing data 12%, mean completion time < 5 min). The questionnaire allows the assessment of barriers and facilitators to PA in patients with IA. This questionnaire may guide targeted interventions to increase levels of PA in these patients.

Factors promoting physical activity in women with fibromyalgia: a qualitative interview study

OBJECTIVES

To gain deeper knowledge of factors promoting physical activity in women with fibromyalgia.

DESIGN

A qualitative study based on semistructured in-depth individual interviews. Analysed using qualitative content analysis.

PARTICIPANTS

Fourteen women with fibromyalgia, age 38-65, recruited from a previous randomised controlled trial investigating the effects of person-centred progressive resistance exercise compared with relaxation therapy.

SETTING

Interviews were conducted in a hospital setting.

RESULTS

The analysis resulted in four categories: a desire to be physically active, finding the proper level and creating proper conditions, managing pain and getting it done.

CONCLUSION

This study reveals several factors both personal and environmental, which promote the ability to be physically active when living with pain and other symptoms of fibromyalgia. The participants expressed that, although they had a desire to be physically active, they needed support and guidance from a professional with adequate knowledge to help them find the proper level of exercise. They also expressed a need for the professional to understand their preferences, and to use these preferences as a basis for creating the proper conditions, helping them learn to manage pain and supporting them in getting the exercise done.

"Mastering a New Life Situation" - Patients' Preferences of Treatment Outcomes in Early Rheumatoid Arthritis - A Longitudinal Qualitative Study

PURPOSE

To explore patients' preferred treatment outcomes during their first two years with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A qualitative, longitudinal, multicenter study with interviews at two time points was performed in Sweden. Individual interviews were conducted at time point 1 with 31 patients with RA, defined as disease duration of ≤1 year and treatment for 3-7 months. Seven focus group interviews and five individual interviews were conducted at time point 2 with 22 patients 12-20 months after treatment initiation. The interviews were analyzed using the Qualitative Analysis Guide of Leuven. A core category with four related concepts emerged.

RESULTS

The core finding of patient-preferred treatment outcomes was "mastering a new life situation". Patients preferred to experience control of the disease by controlling the symptoms and by experiencing absence of disease. To experience autonomy by regaining former activity level, experiencing independence, and being empowered was another preferred outcome. Patients preferred to regain identity through being able to participate, experience well-being, and regain former self-image. To experience joy in everyday life through vitality and believing in the future was another preferred outcome. Patients' preferences developed over time from the acute phase of controlling the symptoms and wanting to return to the life they lived prior to diagnosis, to a more preventive way of self-management and empowerment to master the new life situation.

CONCLUSION

The patients' preferred treatment outcomes during the first two years with RA were to master their new life situation and changed from a preference to return to a life lived prior disease onset, to a preference of living with quality of life, despite RA. This study increases the understanding of patients' preferred treatment outcomes in the early disease course and can be a foundation for tailoring interventions to be more person-centered and to improve long-term treatment outcomes.

Understanding exercise promotion in rheumatic diseases: A qualitative study among physical therapists

Background: Physical therapists have unique expertise in planning, prescribing, and supporting exercise for patients with rheumatic diseases. Promoting exercise can be a challenge, but descriptions of physical therapists' experiences within the field of rheumatology are limited.Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore and describe ways of understanding exercise promotion among physical therapists working in rheumatology.Design and Method: A phenomenographic approach was used to analyze semi-structured interviews with 25 physical therapists working primarily within the field of rheumatology from eight different physical therapy departments at hospitals across Sweden.Results: Four ways of understanding exercise promotion were identified. These were named: exercise promotion as information and monitoring of the behavior, as facilitation of skills building, as co-creation of awareness, and as the development of independence and self-reflection.Conclusion: Physical therapists in rheumatology understand exercise promotion in various ways that differ with respect to comprehensiveness and patient-centeredness. The physical therapists' use of behavior change techniques serves different purposes in exercise promotion, varying from external control to self-management. The present results might thus be used to develop awareness, knowledge, and skills for more deliberate exercise promotion among physical therapists working with patients having rheumatic diseases.

Factors influencing physical activity in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis: A mixed-methods study

Objective:

The goal of this study was to provide a greater understanding of physical activity in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis. The aim was twofold: first to explore if physical activity was associated with factors in the clinical picture of rheumatoid arthritis in this patient group, and second, to explore factors influencing physical activity in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods:

A total of 66 patients with early rheumatoid arthritis were included in the study. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods design was used, where quantitative data from a questionnaire were analysed with Mann–Whitney, post hoc Kruskal–Wallis and χ² test in order to detect differences between groups, and find possible associations between physical activity and independent variables, such as disease activity, health-related quality of life and physical function. Qualitative data were collected in a follow-up questionnaire with open-ended questions that focused on factors influencing physical activity.

Results:

Associations between physical activity, disease activity and health-related quality of life were seen in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis together with strong negative correlations between physical activity and physical function. Patients on sick leave showed the strongest associations between disease-related variables and lower levels of physical activity. The findings from the qualitative analysis showed that physical limitations, awareness as a motivational factor and external environment factors influenced physical activity in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis.

Conclusion:

The results showed a complex underlying motive where physical, psychological and environmental factors influenced the physical activity in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis. In order to provide more effective health interventions, it is important to consider the complex nature of practicing physical activity, where a person-centred approach should be considered. Factors such as physical limitations, economic aspects and time for practicing physical activity should be included in the person-centred approach.

The Experience of people with rheumatoid arthritis living with fatigue: a qualitative metasynthesis

OBJECTIVES

To identify, appraise and synthesise qualitative studies on the experience of living with rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-related fatigue.

METHODS

We conducted a qualitative metasynthesis encompassing a systematic literature search in February 2017, for studies published in the past 15 years, in PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Embase, SveMed, PsychINFO and Web of Science. To be included, the studies had to report the experience of living with fatigue among adults with RA. The analysis and synthesis followed Malterud's systematic text condensation.

RESULTS

Eight qualitative articles were included, based on 212 people with RA (69% women) and aged between 20 and 83 years old. The synthesis resulted in the overall theme 'A vicious circle of an unpredictable symptom'. In addition, the synthesis derived four subthemes: 'being alone with fatigue'; 'time as a challenge'; 'language as a tool for increased understanding' and 'strategies to manage fatigue'. Fatigue affects all areas of everyday life for people with RA. They strive to plan and prioritise, pace, relax and rest. Furthermore, they try to make use of a variety of words and metaphors to explain to other people that they experience that RA-related fatigue is different from normal tiredness. Despite this, people with RA-related fatigue experience feeling alone with their symptom and they develop their own strategies to manage fatigue in their everyday life.

CONCLUSIONS

The unpredictability of RA-related fatigue is dominant, pervasive and is experienced as a vicious circle, which can be described in relation to its physical, cognitive, emotional and social impact. It is important for health professionals to acknowledge and address the impact of fatigue on the patients' everyday lives. Support from health professionals to manage fatigue and develop strategies to increase physical activity and maintain work is important for people with RA-related fatigue.

Effects of exercise and physical activity promotion: meta-analysis informing the 2018 EULAR recommendations for physical activity in people with rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis and hip/knee osteoarthritis

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of exercise and physical activity (PA) promotion on cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, flexibility, neuromotor performance (eg, balance) and daily PA in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), spondyloarthritis (SpA) and hip/knee osteoarthritis (HOA/KOA).

Methods

systematic review (SR) and meta-analysis (MA) were performed searching the databases PubMed/Medline, CENTRAL, Embase, Web of Science, Emcare and PsycInfo until April 2017. We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in adults (≥18 years) with RA, SpA and HOA/KOA, investigating the effects of exercise or PA promotion according to the public health PA recommendations by the American College of Sports Medicine. The time point of interest was the first assessment after the intervention period. If suitable, data were pooled in a MA using a random-effects model presented as standardised mean difference (SMD).

Results

The SR included 63 RCTs, of which 49 (3909 people with RA/SpA/HOA/KOA) were included in the MA. Moderate effects were found of aerobic exercises and resistance training on cardiovascular fitness (SMD 0.56 (95% CI 0.38 to 0.75)) and muscle strength (SMD 0.54 (95% CI 0.35 to 0.72)), respectively, but no effect of combined strength/aerobic/flexibility exercises on flexibility (SMD 0.12 (95% CI -0.16 to 0.41)). PA promotion interventions produced a small increase in PA behaviour (SMD 0.21 (95% CI 0.03 to 0.38)).

Conclusion

Exercises and PA promotion according to public health recommendations for PA improved cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength and PA behaviour, with moderate effect sizes in people with SpA, RA and HOA/KOA.

Trial registration number

CRD42017082131.

2018 EULAR recommendations for physical activity in people with inflammatory arthritis and osteoarthritis

Regular physical activity (PA) is increasingly promoted for people with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases as well as the general population. We evaluated if the public health recommendations for PA are applicable for people with inflammatory arthritis (iA; Rheumatoid Arthritis and Spondyloarthritis) and osteoarthritis (hip/knee OA) in order to develop evidence-based recommendations for advice and guidance on PA in clinical practice. The EULAR standardised operating procedures for the development of recommendations were followed. A task force (TF) (including rheumatologists, other medical specialists and physicians, health professionals, patient-representatives, methodologists) from 16 countries met twice. In the first TF meeting, 13 research questions to support a systematic literature review (SLR) were identified and defined. In the second meeting, the SLR evidence was presented and discussed before the recommendations, research agenda and education agenda were formulated. The TF developed and agreed on four overarching principles and 10 recommendations for PA in people with iA and OA. The mean level of agreement between the TF members ranged between 9.8 and 8.8. Given the evidence for its effectiveness, feasibility and safety, PA is advocated as integral part of standard care throughout the course of these diseases. Finally, the TF agreed on related research and education agendas. Evidence and expert opinion inform these recommendations to provide guidance in the development, conduct and evaluation of PA-interventions and promotion in people with iA and OA. It is advised that these recommendations should be implemented considering individual needs and national health systems.

Barriers and reinforcing factors to self-management behaviour in rheumatoid arthritis patients: A qualitative study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to explore the view of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients about the barriers and reinforcing factors in practising self-management behaviour (SMB).

METHODS

This was a qualitative study based on directed content analysis of in-depth semi-structured interviews with 30 patients. The participants were selected using a purposeful sampling approach. The interviews continued until data saturation was reached. The study was conducted over 6 months in 2014-2015 at the Rheumatology Clinic of Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.

RESULTS

Three main themes and 14 subthemes were extracted. The main themes included behavioural barriers, environmental barriers and reinforcing factors. The subthemes included lack of awareness; poor physician-patient relationship; lack of motivation; negative attitude and willingness; lack of time; cost; housing conditions and in-home equipment; negative social effects; social support; consequences of SMB; and comparing yourself with others.

CONCLUSION

Behavioural and environmental barriers, as well as social support and outcomes of SMB were the most important barriers and reinforcing factors of SMB. Therefore, considering these factors in patients may help in designing programmes that attempt to reduce barriers and increase reinforcing factors, which ultimately result in higher levels of SMB and quality of life among patients.

Physical activity behaviour in men with inflammatory joint disease: a cross-sectional register-based study

Objectives

Physical activity is recommended as an essential part of the non-pharmacological management of inflammatory joint disease, but previous research in this area has predominantly included women. The aim of this study was to examine physical activity behaviour in men with inflammatory joint disease.

Methods

The study was conducted as a cross-sectional register-based study. Data on physical activity behaviour in men with RA, PsA and AS were matched with sociodemographic and clinical variables extracted from the DANBIO registry. Logistic regression analyses using multiple imputations were performed to investigate demographic and clinical variables associated with regular engagement in physical activity (moderate-vigorous ⩾2 h/week). Descriptive statistics were applied to explore motivation, barriers and preferences for physical activity.

Results

A total of 325 men were included of whom 129 (40%) engaged in regular physical activity. In univariate analyses, higher age, visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, VAS fatigue, VAS patient's global, CRP level, disease activity, functional disability and current smoking were negatively associated with regular engagement in physical activity. In the final multivariable regression model only a high VAS fatigue score (⩾61 mm) (OR = 0.228; CI: 0.119, 0.436) remained significantly independently associated with regular physical activity.

Conclusion

A majority of men with inflammatory joint disease do not meet the recommendations of regular physical activity. Both sociodemographic and clinical parameters were associated with engagement in physical activity, and fatigue especially seems to play a pivotal role in explaining suboptimal physical activity behaviour in this patient group.

Physical Activity and Correlates of Physical Activity Participation Over Three Years in Adults With Rheumatoid Arthritis

OBJECTIVE

To characterize physical activity participation (moderate-to-vigorous physical activity [MVPA], ≥150 minutes of moderate physical activity or 75 minutes of vigorous physical activity per week), to examine associations between disease activity and MVPA, and to identify MVPA correlates in adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) over 3 years.

METHODS

This study included 573 RA patients (94% white, 83% female, mean age 61 years, mean RA duration 19.5 years) with ≥1 annual registry visit and who completed the physical activity questionnaire. Baseline and annual measures included demographics/medical history, self-efficacy for disease management, quality of life, patient/physician global assessment, physical function, and self-reported physical activity. A logistic repeated-measures model using the generalized estimating equation examined the relationship between disease activity and MVPA.

RESULTS

Average disease activity (from the 3-variable Disease Activity Score in 28 joints using the C-reactive protein level) was mean ± SD 3.1 ± 1.4, 36% were physically inactive, and 29% met MVPA recommendations. There was a negative borderline association with disease activity (odds ratio [OR] 0.89 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.79-1.00]). Correlates of meeting MVPA recommendations, adjusting for disease activity, were being white (OR 2.95 [95% CI 1.29-6.75]), older age (ages >69 years OR 0.58 [95% CI 0.36-0.92]), poor mental health (OR 0.63 [95% CI 0.41-0.95]), poor physical function (OR 0.59 [95% CI 0.34-1.01]), overweight/obese (body mass index [BMI] >25-30 OR 0.69 [95% CI 0.50-0.95], BMI >30-39.9 OR 0.60 [95% CI 0.41-0.88], and BMI ≤40 OR 0.24 [95% CI 0.08-0.74]), and patient global assessment (≥10-20 OR 0.57 [95% CI 0.39-0.83]).

CONCLUSION

A small proportion of patients met MVPA recommendations despite well-controlled disease. Disease activity was negatively associated with physical activity over time. Physical activity correlates were linked to lifestyle, mental health, and patient perceptions of disease, suggesting physical activity interventions that address patient perspectives may facilitate RA management.

Quality of life in patients with established rheumatoid arthritis: A phenomenographic study

Objective:

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis perceive reduced quality of life in several domains, such as physical health, level of independence, environment and personal beliefs, compared with the healthy population. There is an increasing interest in quality of life in clinical and medical interventions. Few studies have explored patients’ individual conceptions of quality of life, and interviews can thus complement quantitative studies. There is a need for a deeper understanding of the patients’ experiences of quality of life, with regard to living with a long-term condition such as rheumatoid arthritis. The aim of this study was to explore the variation of ways in which patients with established rheumatoid arthritis understand the concept of quality of life.

Methods:

The study had a qualitative design with a phenomenographic approach, which was used to describe variations in how individuals experience their quality of life. The study is based on interviews with 22 patients with established rheumatoid arthritis enrolled in the BARFOT (better anti-rheumatic pharmacotherapy) study.

Results:

The concept of quality of life could be understood in three different ways: (1) independence in terms of physical functioning and personal finances, (2) empowerment in how to manage life and (3) participation as an experience of belonging in a social context.

Conclusion:

The different conceptions of quality of life reflect the complexity in the concept, including physical, psychological and social aspects. This complexity is important to have in mind when health professionals support patients in enhancing their quality of life.

A Qualitative Study Exploring Community Yoga Practice in Adults with Rheumatoid Arthritis

OBJECTIVE

Yoga may improve physical function and reduce disease symptoms in adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, little is known about how patients with RA are practicing yoga in the community. The objective of this qualitative study was to explore community yoga practice characteristics and thoughts about yoga practice for adults with RA.

DESIGN

Participants completed a semi-structured telephone interview with open-ended questions. Thematic analysis was used to analyze interview transcripts.

PARTICIPANTS

A convenience sample of 17 adults with rheumatologist-diagnosed RA who had participated in yoga within the past year were asked about the decision to start, continue, and stop yoga; the perceived benefits of yoga; components of yoga sessions; and general thoughts about yoga as it relates to RA.

RESULTS

Although eight different styles of yoga were practiced, commonalities in yoga class components (such as stretching, strengthening, deep breathing, meditation, and positive messaging from the instructor) reveal examples of preferred types of yoga for patients with RA. Three main themes emerged, each with multiple subthemes: (1) motivators (physical fitness, influence of others, reduced price), (2) barriers (cost, symptom burden, class difficulty), and (3) benefits of yoga practice (mind-body, a tool for coping, pride/achievement, social, and "yoga meets you where you are").

CONCLUSION

In this study, patients with RA described how yoga practice helped improve physical and psychosocial symptoms related to their disease. Yoga practice, a dynamic exercise, encompassing many different styles, can provide many benefits for adults with RA; however, yoga may not be beneficial for every adult with RA.

Experiences of mobility for people living with rheumatoid arthritis who are receiving biologic drug therapy: implications for podiatry services

BACKGROUND

Despite significant advancements in new treatment modalities for rheumatoid arthritis with biological therapies, foot complications remain a disabling and common feature of the disease. In this study the aim was to explore and describe the personal experiences of people with rheumatoid arthritis in receipt of biologic treatments in a bid to understand the impact of this form of medication on their mobility.

METHODS

An interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA) was undertaken to explore in depth the individual experience of rheumatoid disease through personal accounts of the patient journey spanning both 'before' and 'after' the instigation of biologic therapy. A purposive sampling strategy was adopted and in-depth semi structured interviews used to facilitate rich, detailed interview data exploring the lived experiences of individuals undertaking biological therapy and the changes to mobility experienced as a result. Thematic analysis was employed with an IPA framework to identify key meanings, and report patterns within the data.

RESULTS

Five people with rheumatoid arthritis participated in the study. The mean disease duration was 20.2 years (range: 6 -32) and all were being treated with biologic therapies. Four key themes emerged from the data: 1) Life before biologic treatment, depicted in accounts as a negative experience characterised by painful and disabling symptoms and feelings of hopelessness. 2) Life with biologic treatment, often experienced as a life changing transition, restoring function and mobility and offering renewed hope. 3) Sense of self, in which the impact of rheumatoid disease and the subsequent changes arising from biologic therapy reveal a profound impact on feelings of personal identity both pre and post biologic therapy; an effect of footwear on self-image emerges as a dominant sub theme; 4) Unmet footcare needs were evident in the patient narrative, where the unrelenting if diminished impact of foot pain on mobility was viewed in the context of problematic access to foot health services.

CONCLUSION

Whilst the findings from this study mirror those within the existing literature, which report improvements in physical function related to biological therapy, foot problems clearly remained an unremitting feature of life for patients with rheumatoid disease, even when in receipt of biologics.

'Like the worst toothache you've had' - How people with rheumatoid arthritis describe and manage pain

BACKGROUND

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease often associated with disability. Despite new treatments, pain and activity limitations are still present.

OBJECTIVES

To describe how persons with RA experience and manage pain in their daily life.

METHODS

Seven semi-structured focus groups (FGs) were conducted and analyzed using content analysis.

RESULTS

The analysis revealed four categories: 1) Pain expresses itself in different ways referred to pain as overwhelming, aching or as a feeling of stiffness. 2) Mitigating pain referred to the use of heat, cold, medications and activities as distractions from the pain. 3) Adapting to pain referred to strategies employed as coping mechanisms for the pain, e.g. planning and adjustment of daily activities, and use of assistive devices. 4) Pain in a social context referred to the participants' social environment as being both supportive and uncomprehending, the latter causing patients to hide their pain.

CONCLUSIONS

Pain in RA is experienced in different ways. This emphasizes the multi-professional team to address this spectrum of experiences and to find pain management directed to the individual experience that also include the person's social environment.

Patients' conceptions of their own influence on good treatment response to biological therapy in chronic inflammatory arthritis

BACKGROUND

Biological therapies are common in the treatment of patients with chronic inflammatory arthritis (CIA). However, despite the fact that many patients respond well to their biological therapies, there are still a number of nonresponders. In order to design the best care for patients, it is important to understand how they conceive their own role in their treatment response.

OBJECTIVE

To explore how patients with CIA conceive their own influence on a good treatment response to biological therapy.

METHODS

This study had an exploratory and descriptive design with a phenomenographic approach. Interviews were conducted with 25 patients (11 women and 14 men) aged 17-79 years, with CIA who were undergoing biological therapy and who had low disease activity or were in remission.

RESULTS

Patients with CIA undergoing biological therapy conceived their own influence on good treatment response in terms of adherence, physical activity, mental attitude, social support, and self-awareness. Adherence was described as the foundation for the patients' own influence on good treatment response. Physical activity, mental attitude, and social support reflected three essential ways of understanding patients' influence on good treatment response where the patients spoke about physical strength, mental strength, and social strength. Self-awareness reflected a comprehensive way of influencing good treatment response in which patients balanced their physical, mental, and social resources in partnership with health care professionals.

CONCLUSION

Patients conceived that they had a responsibility for adhering to the treatment as well as achieving balance in life in order to ensure good treatment response. Self-awareness was essential for maintaining a good treatment response, and this reflected the patients' awareness of the complexity of living their lives with a chronic illness.

Readability of patient information and consent documents in rheumatological studies

BACKGROUND

Before participation in medical research an informed consent must be obtained. This study investigates whether the readability of patient information and consent documents (PICDs) corresponds to the average educational level of participants in rheumatological studies in the Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway.

METHODS

24 PICDs from studies were collected and readability was assessed independently using the Gunning's Fog Index (FOG) and Simple Measure of Gobbledygook (SMOG) grading.

RESULTS

The mean score for the FOG and SMOG grades were 14.2 (9.0-19.0) and 14.2 (12-17) respectively. The mean FOG and SMOG grades were 12.7 and 13.3 in the Dutch studies, 15.0 and 14.9 in the Danish studies, and 14.6 and 14.3 in the Norwegian studies, respectively. Out of the 2865 participants, more than 57 % had a lower educational level than the highest readability score calculated in the individual study.

CONCLUSIONS

As the readability level of the PICDs did not match the participants' educational level, consent may not have been valid, as the participants may have had a limited understanding of what they agreed to participate in. There should be more focus on the readability of PICDs. National guidelines for how to write clear and unambiguous PICDs in simple and easily understandable language could increase the focus on the readability of PICD.

Perceived Barriers, Facilitators and Benefits for Regular Physical Activity and Exercise in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Review of the Literature

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease, which not only affects the joints but can also impact on general well-being and risk for cardiovascular disease. Regular physical activity and exercise in patients with RA have numerous health benefits. Nevertheless, the majority of patients with RA are physically inactive. This indicates that people with RA might experience additional or more severe barriers to physical activity or exercise than the general population. This narrative review provides an overview of perceived barriers, benefits and facilitators of physical activity and exercise in RA. Databases were searched for articles published until September 2014 using the terms 'rheumatoid arthritis', 'physical activity', 'exercise', 'barriers', 'facilitators', 'benefits', 'motivation', 'motivators' and 'enablers'. Similarities were found between disease-specific barriers and benefits of physical activity and exercise, e.g. pain and fatigue are frequently mentioned as barriers, but reductions in pain and fatigue are perceived benefits of physical activity and exercise. Even though exercise does not influence the existence of barriers, physically active patients appear to be more capable of overcoming them. Therefore, exercise programmes should enhance self-efficacy for exercise in order to achieve long-term physical activity and exercise behaviour. Encouragement from health professionals and friends/family are facilitators for physical activity and exercise. There is a need for interventions that support RA patients in overcoming barriers to physical activity and exercise and help sustain this important health behaviour.

The influence of lifestyle habits on quality of life in patients with established rheumatoid arthritis-A constant balancing between ideality and reality

Introduction

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, inflammatory, and systemic disease with symptoms that limit activities and affect quality of life. RA is associated with an increased risk of developing comorbidities, some of which are also known to be associated with lifestyle habits such as physical activity, diet, smoking, and alcohol. There has been an augmented focus on the implementation and maintenance of healthy lifestyle habits even for patients with RA in the past decade, but little is known about the link between patients’ experiences of lifestyle habits and quality of life. The aim of the study was thus to describe and explore how patients with established RA experience the influence of lifestyle habits on quality of life.

Methods

The study had a descriptive and explorative design, based on qualitative content analysis. Strategic sampling was used in order to achieve variations in experiences. Twenty-two patients with RA (14 women and 8 men) from 30 to 84 years old, with a disease duration ranging from 8 to 23 years, were interviewed.

Results

The analysis of the influence of lifestyle habits on quality of life resulted in the theme balancing between ideality and reality. Three categories emerged about how lifestyle habits influenced quality of life by limitations (including insufficiency and adaptation), self-regulation (including guilt and motivation), and companionship (including belonging and pleasure).

Conclusions

Quality of life for patients with established RA was influenced by the balance between ideality and reality in the lifestyle habits: physical activity, diet, smoking, and alcohol. This is important new knowledge for health professionals when discussing lifestyle habits with RA patients.

‘It might hurt, but still it’s good’: People with rheumatoid arthritis beliefs and expectations about physical activity interventions

Many people who have rheumatoid arthritis report low levels of physical activity. We conducted 17 interviews with people who have rheumatoid arthritis to gain insight into how they view physical activity and to explore how their levels of activity may be increased. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. Four main themes were generated: being active, barriers and facilitators, information and advice, and supporting physical activity. A lack of information about being active fostered negative emotions limiting physical activity participation. Improved provision of physical activity advice is warranted to promote physical activity in people who have rheumatoid arthritis.

Walking is a Feasible Physical Activity for People with Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Exercise has been recognized as important in the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Walking is a low-cost and low-impact activity, requiring little supervision. It requires no specialist training, is suited to a variety of environments and is inherently a clinically meaningful measure of independence. The aim of the present study was to determine whether a designed walking programme for people with RA successfully facilitated regular physical activity in participants, without detriment to pain levels.

METHODS

Thirty-three people with RA were recruited from Dunedin Hospital rheumatology outpatient clinics and enrolled in a walking randomized controlled trial (RCT) feasibility study. Participants were randomly allocated to the walking intervention (n = 11) or control (n = 22) groups. Control participants received a nutrition education session, and the walking intervention group received instructions on a walking route with three loops, to be completed 3-4 times per week. The walking route shape was designed so that the length of the walk could be tailored by participants. Both groups were assessed at baseline and six weeks later. The primary outcome measures were feasibility, acceptability and safety. The principal secondary outcome was change in walking speed after the intervention. Additional outcome measures were a step-up test, activity limitations (on the Health Assessment Questionnaire), global well-being (on the European Quality of Life Questionnaire), self-efficacy for managing arthritis symptoms, self-efficacy for physical activity, daily pedometer readings and a daily visual analogue scale for pain.

RESULTS

Participants successfully completed the walk for the suggested frequency, indicating feasibility and acceptability. There were no reported adverse effects of participation and the walking intervention group did not have higher daily pain levels than the control group, indicating safety. The walking intervention group showed a pattern of improvements in self-efficacy and global well-being; no changes in these outcomes were noted in the control group. No outcome measure showed statistically significant between-group differences.

CONCLUSIONS

Walking appears to be a feasible, acceptable and safe intervention for people with RA. These findings inform the design and power requirements of larger trials of structured walking interventions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Perceptions of physical activity engagement among adults with rheumatoid arthritis and rheumatologists

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.

Men's experiences of living with ankylosing spondylitis: a qualitative study

BACKGROUND

The majority of patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) are male, although potential gender differences have not been investigated in relation to disease management. Moreover, men's perceptions of experiencing AS have not been reported in the literature.

AIMS

This study sought to develop an understanding of how men experience AS and the challenges related to living with AS as a chronic disease.

METHODS

A purposive sample of 13 men diagnosed with AS, with a median age of 44 years (range 32-58) was recruited from a rheumatology outpatient clinic. The median duration of disease was 12 years (range 0.3-28 years), and the median time from the first symptom to final diagnosis was seven years (range 2-20 years). Semi-structured interviews were conducted using an interview guide, and the interviews were analysed using content analysis inspired by Graneheim qualitative methodology.

RESULTS

The analysis revealed four categories: (1) 'Approaching a diagnosis'; (2) 'Ill in a social context'; (3) 'Challenged as a man'; and (4) 'The importance of remaining physically well'. Based on these categories, the overall category of 'An invisible companion for life' emerged, which captures the experience of living with an invisible, life-long disease.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings demonstrate that AS impacts men's perceptions of themselves as men, relationships as a partner and father, social lives, and masculine identity. Physical activity was highlighted as an important part of being a man, and not being able to exercise challenged the men's masculine identity.

The efficacy of motivational counseling and SMS-reminders on daily sitting time in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: protocol for a randomized controlled trial

Background

Patients with RA (Rheumatoid Arthritis) are more sedentary than the general population. Reduction of Sedentary Behaviour (SB) has been suggested as a mean for improvement of health in patients with chronic diseases and mobility problems. Short-term intervention studies have demonstrated that SB can be reduced by behavioural interventions in healthy populations. However, it remains unexplored whether it is valid for patients with RA also.

Therefore, the aim of this trial is to investigate the efficacy of an individually tailored, theory-based motivational counseling intervention on reducing daily sitting time in sedentary patients with RA. Additionally, to explore whether a reduction in daily sitting time is associated with reduced pain and fatigue, self-reported physical function, self-efficacy, improved health-related quality of life (HR-QoL) and cardiovascular biomarker levels, and finally to assess the cost-effectiveness of the intervention.

Methods/Design

For this parallel group randomized trial, 150 patients with RA and at least 5 hours of sitting time per day, will be recruited from a rheumatology outpatient clinic, and block-randomized to the intervention group or the control group receiving usual care. The intervention includes: 1) individual motivational counseling (in total 3 sessions) on reduction of daily sitting time in combination with 2) individual Short Text Message Service (SMS) reminders over a 16-week intervention period. Primary outcome is change in daily sitting time (minutes) from baseline to 16 weeks measured objectively using an ActivPAL® Activity Monitor. Secondary outcomes include fatigue, pain, physical function, HR-QoL, self-efficacy, costs and cost-effectiveness. Furthermore, anthropometric measures will be included as well as measurement of blood pressure and serum lipids. All outcomes are assessed at baseline and repeated after 16 weeks. Follow-up assessments are made at 6 and 18 months post-intervention.

Discussion

The intervention is simple, non-invasive and may be implemented at low costs. If the study confirms the positive results expected, the intervention might be implemented in clinical practice and potentially transferred to other clinical populations.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrial.gov registration number: NCT01969604. Date of registration: 17 October 2013.

The burden of disease in rheumatoid arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease which, if left untreated, leads to functional disability, pain, reduced health-related quality of life and premature mortality. Between 0.5% and 1% of the population are affected worldwide, and between 25 and 50 new cases evolve in a population of 100,000. Practically all patients with RA require initiation with disease-modifying antirheumatic treatment to retard or stop progression, control disease manifestations and reduce the disease burden. If disease course is monitored with adjustment of medication, lifestyle factors, and exercise, as well as physical activity levels, co-morbidities may be prevented in the course of RA. During the last decade, major progress has been made in treating RA through early identification and treatment of the disease. Many patients still experience premature work disability and co-morbidities. For societies, the economic burden of RA is high in terms of direct and indirect costs, including modern drug treatment.