RA patients define ideal online tool for physical activity

Seven categories crucial for adoption and maintenance of exercise

2013-06-12

(Press-News.org) Madrid, Spain, 12 June 2013: Results of the first study involving RA patients in the development of an internet-based physical activity intervention were presented at EULAR 2013, the Annual Congress of the European League Against Rheumatism.

These data show that seven categories are crucial for the adoption and maintenance of PA: personal incentives, personal mastering, information adapted to the Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) condition, peer support, professional coaching, physical environment and resources, and societal support/financial assistance.

RA is a chronic autoimmune disease characterised by inflammation of the joints and tendons. Affecting 1 in 100 people worldwide, it causes pain, stiffness, joint destruction and deformity, and reduces life expectancy and physical function. Exercise training reverses loss of muscle mass (rheumatoid cachexia), substantially improves function and strength, and reduces cardiovascular risk and weight – all without exacerbating disease activity or joint damage.2

"Despite growing evidence for the benefits of physical activity in RA, the majority of patients do not exercise sufficiently," said Mrs Åsa Revenäs of the Department of Neurobiology, Health Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden. "Our assumption is that developing intervention strategies based on health behaviour change theories, making them available over the internet and involving users in the design process may facilitate the adoption and maintenance of PA behaviour."

As well as identifying the categories crucial for starting and maintaining an exercise programme, the patient focus groups also highlighted functionalities the internet service would require for success: up-to-date and evidence-based information and instructions, self-regulation tools, social interaction and personalised set-up. Attractive design and content as well as ease of access were also pivotal.

"By developing an internet- service supporting PA based on patients' experiences and knowledge, we improve the likelihood of it being fit for the needs of users. In turn, this will encourage successful implementation and inspire RA patients to include PA as part of routine care." Mrs Revenäs concluded.

Six focus groups were performed with a strategic sample of 26 individuals with RA. A semi-structured interview guide was used to address two overall questions; requirements for the adoption and maintenance of PA and content necessary for an internet service supporting PA. Patient experiences and innovations were captured and analysed.

### 1.Revenäs Å et al., Developing an intervention on the internet for health enhancing physical activity behaviour in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis: patients' experiences and innovations [abstract]. EULAR Annual European Congress of Rheumatology; 12-15 June 2013; Madrid, Spain. Abstract nr. OP0022-HPR 2.Cooney JK et al., Benefits of Exercise in Rheumatoid Arthritis. Journal of Aging Research. 2011; Article ID 681640, 14 pages doi:10.4061/2011/681640

NOTES TO EDITORS:

For further information on this study, or to request an interview with the study lead, please do not hesitate to contact the EULAR congress Press Office in room A10:14 of the Congress Centre during EULAR 2013 or on: Email: eularpressoffice@cohnwolfe.com EULAR Press Office Onsite tel: +44 (0) 20 7331 5364 / 5380 / 5318 / 2305

About EULAR

The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) is an umbrella organisation which represents scientific societies, health professional associations and organisations of people with rheumatic diseases throughout Europe In line with the European Union of Medical Specialists (UEMS), EULAR defines rheumatology as including rheumatic diseases of the connective tissue, locomotor and musculoskeletal systems. EULAR aims to promote, stimulate and support the research, prevention, treatment and rehabilitation of rheumatic diseases With 45 scientific member societies, 36 People with Arthritis and Rheumatism in Europe (PARE) organisations and 11 health professionals associations, EULAR underscores the importance of combating rheumatic diseases not only through medical means, but also through patient care EULAR 2013 is set to be the biggest rheumatology event in Europe with over 14,000 scientists, physicians, allied health professionals and related audiences in attendance from more than 110 countries. Over the course of the congress there will be more than 320 oral and 1,800 poster abstract presentations, and 750 lectures with 330 invited speakers To find out more about the activities of EULAR, visit: http://www.eular.org

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RA patients define ideal online tool for physical activity

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