Comparison of Physical Activity Levels in Rheumatic Diseases

Abstract

Objectives The aim of this study was to evaluate levels of physical activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia and to compare the results with both healthy subjects and each other.

Methods A group of 50 rheumatoid arthritis patients, 95 osteoarthritis patients, 82 fibromyalgia patients and 110 healthy subjects were included in this study. Physical activity levels were assessed by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ).

Results There were significant differences in walking and total physical activity scores in IPAQ between the rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), fibromyalgia (FMS) patients and the control group (p < 0.05). 36.6 % of the fibromyalgia group, 28.4 % of the osteoarthritis group, 38 % of the rheumatoid arthritis group and 22.7 % of the healthy subjects were found to be inactive. 45.1 % of the fibromyalgia group, 42.1 % of the osteoarthritis group, 46 % of the rheumatoid arthritis group and 36.4 % of the healthy subjects were found to be insufficiently active.

Conclusion As a result, when compared to healthy people, physical activity levels were significantly decreased in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia. The decreases in the physical activity levels were clearer in patients with rheumatoid arthritis than in patients with osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. Recommending regular physical activity should be integral to rheumatic disease management and walking offers a potentially accessible, inexpensive, and acceptable physical activity intervention.