AB0840-HPR Physical activity level and physical fitness in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: M. Acar, E. tonga, A. daskapan
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (2013)

<h3>Background</h3> Physical activity is decreased in patients with rheumatoid arthritis as a consequence of joint pain, restricted mobility, fatigue, reduced muscle mass, strength and endurance. However, there is surprisingly little research available comparing daily life physical activity between patients with RA and healthy controls. The new studies recommend that healthcare professionals encourage people with rheumatic conditions to participate in regular physical activity to improve aerobic fitness and increase the quality of life. The first step in this issue that determine the level of physical activity in people with rheumatic disease. <h3>Objectives</h3> The aim of this study was to evaluate levels of physical activity and physical fitness of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and to compare the results with healthy controls. <h3>Methods</h3> Our study has been carried out in Baskent University Hospitals, Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation outpatient clinics, on 31rheumatoid arthritis patient (Age:50,35±7,80), 31 healthy people (Age:51,03±7,61). Participants completed the long format International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). The pain severity was assessed by McGill pain questionnaire. Measurement of body composition(BMİ), muscle endurance (sit up test ), Cardio Respiratory Endurance(6-minute walk test), flexibility(sit and reach test-body lateral flexion ) and balance (KAT 3000 ) were evaluated for to determine the health related physical fitness of cases. <h3>Results</h3> There were significant differences in health related physical fitness in testing, sit-up tests (r=-2,927 p= 0,003); 6-minute walk test ( symptoms (r=-2,531 p= 0,011) and Borg scale score (r=-3,167 p= 0,002)) and static balance scores (r=-2,365 p=0,18) dynamic balance scores(-1,844) between two groups (p&lt;0.05). There were significant differences in IPAQ scores between two groups (p&lt;0.05). There is a negative correlation between IPAQ moderate intensity physicalactivity score with McGill affective score (r=-431 p=0,16).%29of patientswith rheumatoid were inactive,(%51.6) insufficiently active,(%19,4) active.%51,6 of healthy people is active,% 41,9 insufficiently active,% 6,5 active. <h3>Conclusions</h3> As a result, when compared to healthy people, physical activity and physical fitness levels were decreased in Patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Exerciseprograms may be recommended to improve patients' physical activity and physical fitness levels and to prevent the risks associated withphysical inactivity. <h3>References</h3> Mancuso CA, Rincon M, Sayles W, Paget SA. Comparison of energy expenditure from lifestyle physical activities between patients with rheumatoid arthritis and healthy controls. Arthritis Rheum 2007;57 (4):672–8. Manning V, Hurley M, Scott D, Bearne L. Physical Inactivity In Adults With Rheumatic Condıtıons. British Health Professionals Rheumatology.2011 Jarma, J., Seppo, I., Iikka, M., Matti, E. (2002) A Health- Related Fitness and Functional Performance Test Battery for Middle- Aged and Older Adults: Feasibility and Health-Related Content Validity. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 83: 666- 677 <h3>Disclosure of Interest</h3> None Declared