Improved clinical outcomes and physical activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with originator adalimumab in routine clinical practice

Abstract

Research ArticleImproved clinical outcomes and physical activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with originator adalimumab in routine clinical practice Background/Objective: We aimed at evaluating changes in habitual physical activity, disease activity and physical function following treatment with originator adalimumab (ADA ORIG ) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in routine clinical practice.Methods: This observational study followed RA patients for 12 months, using the DAS28, HAQ-DI and Short QUestionnaire to ASsess Health-enhancing physical activity (SQUASH) instruments to measure disease activity, physical function and habitual physical activity, respectively. Associations of SQUASH scores with DAS28, HAQ-DI and socio-demographic factors were evaluated by correlation coefficients and multivariable regression analyses.Results: From baseline to final visit, the mean SQUASH total score increased from 4772 ± 4132 to 6104 ± 4921 (n=460), representing a 28% improvement in overall physical activity. Largest improvements were observed in the domains of leisure time and sport (42%), and activities at work and school (35%). Mean DAS28 and HAQ-DI scores decreased by 2.8 and 0.7 points, respectively, but a sizeable negative correlation was found only between baseline SQUASH total score and HAQ-DI score (-0.30; p<0.0001). Advancing age was negatively associated with the final SQUASH total score (effect estimate of -46.2, p<0.05).Conclusion: Improvements in habitual physical activity, disease activity, and physical function were observed in RA patients after 12 months of ADA ORIG therapy.