Physical activity in men and women with arthritis National Health Interview Survey, 2002

Abstract

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.