A small proportion of adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) met moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) recommendations, despite well-controlled disease, a recent study found. Disease activity was negatively associated with physical activity (PA) over time. PA correlates were linked to lifestyle, mental health, and patient perceptions of disease, suggesting PA interventions that address patient perspectives may facilitate RA management. Researchers evaluated 573 RA patients (94% Caucasian, 83% female, mean age 61 years, mean RA duration 19.5 years) with ≥1 annual registry visit and who completed a PA questionnaire. They found:

• Average disease activity (DAS28-CRP3) was 3.1, 36% were physically inactive, and 29% met MVPA recommendations.
• There was a negative borderline association with disease activity.
• Correlates of meeting MVPA recommendations, adjusting for disease activity, were being Caucasian, older age, poor mental health, poor physical function, overweight/obese, and patient global assessment.