Background
Regular physical activity in persons with arthritis has been shown to decrease pain,
improve function, and delay disability. This study estimates the national prevalence
of leisure-time physical activity and identifies factors associated with physical
inactivity in adults with arthritis.
Methods
Data from the 2002 National Health Interview Survey were analyzed in 2004–2005 to
estimate the proportion of adults with arthritis meeting four physical activity recommendations
put forward in Healthy People 2010 and one arthritis-specific recommendation established by a national expert panel
in arthritis and physical activity. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate
the association between inactivity and sociodemographic factors, body mass index,
functional limitations, social limitations, need for special equipment, frequent anxiety/depression,
affected joint location, joint pain, physical activity counseling, and access to a
fitness facility.
Results
Adults with arthritis were significantly less likely than adults without arthritis
to engage in recommended levels of moderate or vigorous physical activity, and 37%
of adults with arthritis were inactive. In both men and women with arthritis, inactivity
was associated with older age, lower education, and having functional limitations;
having access to a fitness facility was inversely associated with inactivity. Among
women, inactivity was also associated with being Hispanic, non-Hispanic black, having
frequent anxiety/depression or social limitations, needing special equipment, and
not receiving physical activity counseling. Among men, inactivity was also associated
with severe joint pain.
Conclusions
Although physical activity is a recommended therapy for people with arthritis, levels
among adults with arthritis are insufficient, and those with arthritis have worse
activity profiles than their peers without arthritis. Efforts to promote physical
activity should include expanding access to evidence-based interventions and recreational
facilities/programs. The importance of physical activity counseling and associated
pain management measures by healthcare providers should be emphasized.
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© 2006 American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
