There has been varied success of behaviour change interventions in promoting physical activity behaviour in people who have RA .
Research has shown that people who have rheumatoid arthritis ( RA ) do not usually participate in enough physical activity to obtain the benefits of optimal physical activity levels , including quality of life , aerobic fitness and disease-related characteristics .
Behaviour change theory underpins the promotion of physical activity .
The aim of this systematic review was to explore behaviour change interventions which targeted physical activity behaviour in people who have RA , focusing on the theory underpinning the interventions and the behaviour change techniques utilised using specific behaviour change taxonomy .
A randomized controlled trial of a cognitive behavioural patient education intervention vs a traditional information leaflet to address the cardiovascular aspects of rheumatoid disease.
OBJECTIVES Cardiovascular disease ( CVD ) is responsible for 50 % of the excess mortality for patients with RA . This study aim ed to evaluate a novel 8-week cognitive behavioural patient education intervention design ed to effect behavioural change with regard to modifiable CVD risk factors in people with RA . METHODS This was a non-blinded r and omized controlled trial with a delayed intervention arm . Participants were r and omly assigned to receive the cognitive behavioural education intervention or a control information leaflet at a ratio of 1:1 . The primary outcome measure was patient 's knowledge of CVD in RA ; secondary measures were psychological measures relating to effecting behaviour change , actual behaviour changes and clinical risk factors . Data were collected at baseline , 2 and 6 months . RESULTS A total of 110 participants consented ( 52 in the intervention group and 58 in the control group ) to participate in the study . At 6 months , those in the intervention group had significantly higher knowledge scores ( P < 0.001 ) ; improved behavioural intentions to increase exercise ( P < 0.001 ) , eat a low-fat diet ( P = 0.01 ) and lose weight ( P = 0.06 ) ; and lower mean diastolic blood pressure by 3.7 mmHg , whereas the control group 's mean diastolic blood pressure increased by 0.8 mmHg . There was no difference between the groups on actual behaviours . CONCLUSIONS Patient education has a significant role to play in CVD risk factor modification for patients with RA , and the detailed development of this programme probably contributed to its successful results . It is disappointing that behaviours , as we measured them , did not change . The challenge , as always , is how to translate behavioural intentions into action . Larger studies , powered specifically to look at behavioural changes , are required . Trial registration . National Institute for Health Research , UKCRN 4566
There has been varied success of behaviour change interventions in promoting physical activity behaviour in people who have RA .
Research has shown that people who have rheumatoid arthritis ( RA ) do not usually participate in enough physical activity to obtain the benefits of optimal physical activity levels , including quality of life , aerobic fitness and disease-related characteristics .
Behaviour change theory underpins the promotion of physical activity .
The aim of this systematic review was to explore behaviour change interventions which targeted physical activity behaviour in people who have RA , focusing on the theory underpinning the interventions and the behaviour change techniques utilised using specific behaviour change taxonomy .