1529-0131a/asset/cover.gif?v=1&s=4b71f39689e424fbb0e6725b1c033cc646a4272b "Arthritis Care & Research")
The members of the PARA Study Group are listed in Appendix ‡.
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Research Article
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Physical activity, physical fitness, and general health perception among individuals with rheumatoid arthritis†
Article first published online: 4 FEB 2005
DOI: 10.1002/art.20924
Copyright © 2005 by the American College of Rheumatology
Additional Information
How to Cite
Eurenius, E., Stenström, C. H. and The Para Study Group (2005), Physical activity, physical fitness, and general health perception among individuals with rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis & Rheumatism, 53: 48–55. doi: 10.1002/art.20924
- †
Publication History
- Issue published online: 4 FEB 2005
- Article first published online: 4 FEB 2005
- Manuscript Accepted: 5 JUN 2004
- Manuscript Received: 28 DEC 2003
Funded by
- Västerbotten County Council Research Fund
- Research Unit of the Department of Medicine-Geriatrics at Skellefteå County Hospital
- Swedish Rheumatism Association
- Vårdal Foundation
- Abstract
- Article
- References
- Cited By
Keywords:
- Arthritis;
- Cross-sectional study;
- Epidemiology;
- Physical therapy
Abstract
Objective
To describe self-reported physical activity and physical fitness and to identify correlates of physical activity and general health perception.
Methods
Data on self-reported physical activity, physical fitness, activity performance, and disease activity were collected from a sample of 298 patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Results
Forty-seven percent of our sample reported physical activity behaviors that did not comply with public health recommendations. A majority of the patients had decreased lower-limb muscle function (72%), grip force (94%), joint motion (94%), and functional balance (68%). Correlations between self-reported physical activity and other variables were rs = 0.25 or less. Variation in general health perception was explained (total adjusted R2 = 0.65) by pain and activity performance.
Conclusion
Our findings indicate that there is a case for recommendations on and support for healthy physical activity behaviors among people with RA.