Arthritis-Related Limitations Predict Insufficient Physical Activity in Adults With Prediabetes Identified in the NHANES 2011-2014

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of the study was to determine the extent to which arthritis-related limitations are salient in predicting less than the recommended amount of time for adults with prediabetes to spend on moderate or vigorous physical activity. Methods Data from the 2011-2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) in the United States were used to identify the predictors of insufficient physical activity in a large sample of adults with prediabetes 20 years of age and older (n = 2536). Results When extrapolated to more than 45 million adults in the United States at least 20 years of age with prediabetes, 42.7% had insufficient physical activity. Having arthritis-related functional limitations was a significant predictor of insufficient physical activity, even after accounting for the statistically significant contributions of female sex, older age, lower education level, higher body mass index, and depression. Conclusion When educating and counseling adults with prediabetes, diabetes educators should assess for arthritis-related functional limitations when examining factors that may affect prediabetes progression. Recommendations for physical activity for those with mobility and other limitations need to be individualized within a tailored exercise program to accommodate their specific limitations.