The challenges of measuring physical activity and sedentary behaviour in people with rheumatoid arthritis.

The importance of sufficient moderate-to-vigorous physical activity as a key component of a healthy lifestyle is well established, as are the health risks associated with high levels of sedentary behaviour. However, many people with RA do not undertake sufficient physical activity and are highly sedentary. To start addressing this, it is important to be able to carry out an adequate assessment of the physical activity levels of individual people in order that adequate steps can be taken to promote and improve healthy lifestyles.

Barriers and facilitators to physical activity in people with an inflammatory joint disease: a mixed methods study.

Background: Physical activity has been shown to be of great benefit to people with an inflammatory joint disease (IJD), however people with an IJD have been shown to be very inactive compared to the general population. The aims of this study were to explore 1) whether the transition from a National Health Service (NHS)-run exercise programme into exercising in the community could be achieved successfully; and 2) the barriers and facilitators during the transition period.

Methods: This study adopted a complementary mixed-methods study design including a qualitative approach using focus groups and a prospective cohort study.

Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior in People With Inflammatory Joint Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Objective: To determine whether patients with inflammatory joint disease (IJD) meet current guidelines on physical activity, and to determine which factors influence physical activity levels and sedentary behavior (SB) in patients with IJD.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 137 patients with a medical diagnosis of an IJD prior to commencing an NHS-run inflammatory arthritis exercise program. Physical activity and SB were measured objectively using a thigh-worn physical activity monitor for 7 consecutive days.