Facilitators and Barriers to Physical Activity for Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis and Axial Spondyloarthritis
A Lee, Ting Hui Woon, Charmaine Tze May Wang, Yu Heng Kwan, Warren Fong
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Physical activity is important in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). Current literature suggests they engage in less physical activity compared to healthy controls. Reasons for this discrepancy has not been well studied in Asian populations. We aimed to understand facilitators and barriers to physical activity in patients with RA and axSpA using the validated Inflammatory arthritis FAcilitators and Barriers (IFAB) questionnaire. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study from 2020 to 2021 and enrolled patients diagnosed with RA and axSpA. Demographics, disease activity, comorbidities, facilitators, barriers and levels of physical activity were collected. Mean time on recreational activity, facilitators and barriers were listed. RESULTS: We enrolled 222 patients (109 RA, 113 axSpA). Mean (SD) age was 48.4 (14.8) years and 42.3% were males. Of all patients, 66.7% met the WHO recommendations on physical activity for health and percentage was similar between patients with RA and axSpA. Mean time spent on recreational-related activities was higher in patients with axSpA. Top three barriers to physical activity included lack of motivation (46.8%), level of symptoms (44.6%) and weather conditions (29.7%). Facilitators included knowledge of the benefits of physical activity for health (68.9%), mood (56.3%), and confidence on how to exercise safely (54.5%). CONCLUSION: Overall, the facilitators and barriers to physical activity were similar between patients with RA and axSpA. Physicians could address some of these factors during consultations to promote and encourage more physical activity.