Leisure-time physical activity patterns and relationship to generalized distress among Canadians with arthritis or rheumatism.

Objective: Little is known about the epidemiology and possible mental health benefits of leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) for persons with arthritis and other rheumatic conditions. We examined the prevalence of LTPA and its association to generalized distress among Canadians with rheumatic conditions.

Methods: The 1996-97 National Population Health Survey interview data from respondents with rheumatic conditions (n = 10,700) and persons with no chronic conditions (n = 19791) in the same age range (20-79 yrs) were selected for analyses. Self-reported data on forms and frequency of LTPA engaged in over the past 3 months were collected. Intensity of LTPA was expressed as total energy expenditure, with respondents classified as Active (> or = 3.0 kcal/kg/day), Moderate (1.5-2.9 kcal/kg/day), and Inactive (< 1.5 kcal/kg/day). Generalized distress was assessed using a subset of items from the Composite International Diagnostic Interview.

Results: Similar to persons with no chronic conditions, roughly 56% of persons with rheumatic conditions engaged in regular LTPA (12 or more 15-minute sessions per month). Only 13.2% of women and 18.9% of men with rheumatic conditions were sufficiently active at the level recommended to yield optimal health benefits. Both moderate and higher intensity LTPA was associated with less generalized distress. This relationship was more pronounced for women and for middle-aged and older patients with rheumatic conditions.

Conclusion: A significant proportion of Canadians with rheumatic conditions are physically inactive. Even moderate intensity LTPA is associated with decreased generalized distress. Better efforts must be directed at promoting LTPA as part of the multidisciplinary management of this condition.