OP0246-PARE From research to action! physical activity and exercise in rheumatic diseases
Authors: A. Carlsson
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2013)

<h3>Background</h3> One of the areas the Swedish Rheumatism Association cares very much for is research. We work hard for more resources from the community, other research funders and through fundraising for research on rheumatic diseases and their consequences. We also support research projects through our Rheumatism Fund. <h3>Objectives</h3> In order to achieve more resources we provide information about research and its results through newspapers, research annexes, websites and other publications as well through fundraising channels. Research Annexes has been included in the Swedish Rheumatism Association's member magazine since 1998, as independent publications. We use them as resources for information on the importance of research to members, health careproviders, researchers, policy makers and international partners. <h3>Methods</h3> As an example of how we work I focus on "From research to action!". It was produced the first time in 2008 and has been updated 2011 since physical exercise is good medicine with minimal side effects. About one-third of the illness in Sweden concerns the diseases of the musculoskeletal system where the rheumatic condition dominates. We all honestly know that we need to exercise in order to feel good. It has been shown to be especially important when a person has a rheumatic disease. Our idea with "From research to action!" is to give the best possible theoretical foundation for people with some form of rheumatic disease to increase their own custom of exercise and training. For that reason we asked some of the country's foremost experts in the area to help write what they know about training and exercise for those with a rheumatic disease. The experts are physiotherapists who have many years of experience of the treatment of patients with different rheumatic diseases, and they are also active researchers. Unfortunately, we could not account for all 80 rheumatic diagnoses. There is not enough research yet. The introductory chapter by Professor Christina H. Opava describes the state of research and gives tips that should be read by everyone with a rheumatic disease. Because there are different authors and the knowledge about the different diagnoses differ, the various sections appear a little dissimilar. We still hope that there can be interesting aspects and tips to think about even if a person has a different diagnosis than which is described. In order to share our knowledge, we have also translated it into English to if possible, reach more people in Europe and the world with the message about physical training for people with rheumatic diseases. <h3>Results</h3> Circulation of Research Annex is always at least 65,000 copies and we distribute it to members, researchers, health centers, partners, policymakers and the general public. <h3>Conclusions</h3> It is used by employees, members, researchers and trustees in advocacy and in fundraising. Health professionals also use it as documentary material and in educational context. And in the case of "From research to action!" it is an excellent tool to reach more people at EULAR, in Europe and the world with the message about physical training for people with rheumatic diseases. <h3>References</h3> Participating physical therapists in "From research to action": H. Alexanderson, M. Andrè, C. Boström, N. Brodin, K. Mannerkorpi, C. Opava, B. Strömbeck, E.S. Sjöquist and C. Thorstensson. <h3>Disclosure of Interest</h3> None Declared