Effect of self-efficacy and physical activity goal achievement on arthritis pain and quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

Objective: To examine physical activity and achievement of physical activity goals in relation to self-reported pain and quality of life among patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods: At baseline, 271 patients with RA were asked to specify a physical activity goal, and filled in questionnaires assessing physical activity, motivation, and self-efficacy for physical activity, arthritis pain, and quality of life. Six months later, patients indicated to what extent they had achieved their baseline physical activity goal and completed the same set of questionnaires.

Psychological interventions for rheumatoid arthritis: examining the role of self-regulation with a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

Objective: To examine the efficacy of psychological interventions for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and to determine whether self-regulation interventions demonstrate efficacy superior to that of other psychological treatments.

Methods: Only randomized controlled trials testing a face-to-face psychological intervention among patients with RA were included. Two independent investigators extracted pertinent study data, rated each study on a scale of methodologic quality, and assessed each treatment condition for its inclusion of 5 behavior-change techniques derived from self-regulation theory (goal setting, planning, self-monitoring, feedback, and relapse prevention).