What are the perceived barriers, facilitators and attitudes to exercise for women with rheumatoid arthritis? A qualitative study

Abstract

Among those interviewed, walking was considered an acceptable form of exercise for people with RA. Many of the barriers to exercise identified by participants could be alleviated by detailed instructions on the type and duration of exercise recommended. These findings inform the development of walking interventions. Implications for Rehabilitation People with RA and various other chronic illnesses have previously been found to request more specific guidance for incorporating physical activity into their treatment. There was a willingness to participate in physical activity among our participants with RA. Activities such as walking appear to be feasible for people with RA but fears and social support can be barriers. Rehabilitation professionals are ideally placed to help people with RA overcome fears and social support barriers: providing encouragement to participate with others is recommended.

Experiences of physical activity and exercise in individuals with systemic sclerosis: A qualitative study

“…In the theme Disease‐related hinders and other barriers , participants expressed that PA/exercises could lead to worsening, similar to findings among RA‐patients (Baxter, Smith, Treharne, Stebbings, & Hale, ; Veldhuijzen van Zanten et al, ), especially with high intensity PA/exercises. However, in the theme Essential for life and health , PA/exercises were expressed to reduce the fear of deterioration.…”

“…Our participants did express a need for information and support from physiotherapists and other healthcare providers about PA/exercises, as previously presented in SSc (Liem et al, ) and other diseases (Baxter et al, ; Lewis & Cramp, ). Both psychological and practical support to exercise from family/friends is important (Baxter et al, ; Lewis & Cramp, ; Veldhuijzen van Zanten et al, ). It has been reported that SSc‐individuals with major health problems, especially pain, fatigue, disabilities and severe diseases, have the highest need for patient education (Sierakowska et al, ).…”

“…The other expressed barriers to PA/exercises, lack of time and reduced motivation, are rather commonly expressed barriers in RA and among the general population (Baxter et al, ; FYSS, : fysisk aktivitet i sjukdomsprevention och sjukdomsbehandling [Physical activity in the prevention and treatment of disease/Professional Associations for Physical Activity (Sweden)] , 2016). However, the problem with cold temperatures due to RP is a more disease‐specific barrier among SSc‐individuals (Hughes & Herrick, ; Willems et al, ).…”

The role of enjoyment in exercise for people with arthritis: Four different viewpoints from a Q‐methodology study

“…The participants in grouping 2 all expressed enjoyment of walking as a form of exercise. Previous studies have also found walking to be one of the most preferred exercises for a group of people with RA (Baxter et al, 2016a(Baxter et al, , 2016bHenchoz, Zufferey, & So, 2013). Walking has been said to be a "simple but promising way of promoting [exercise] among RA patients" (Schutzer & Graves, 2004).…”

“…However, because of the symptoms associated with arthritis (e.g. swollen joints, pain and fatigue), exercising is often difficult for people with arthritis (Baxter, Smith, Treharne, Stebbings, & Hale, ; Baxter et al, ; Dieppe & Lohmander, ; Metsios et al, ). More than 60% of adults with arthritis in the USA do not meet exercise recommendations (Fontaine, Heo, & Bathon, ).…”