Abstract
Objective To describe levels of physical activity (PA) in older adults with rheumatic diseases and study the association between PA level and patient reported outcomes (PROs).
Methods Using data from FORWARD, a cross-sectional analysis was performed among adults ages 65 and older with rheumatic diseases to assess the levels of PA. PA was categorized as high (vigorously active for at least 30 min, 3 times per week), moderate (moderately active for at least three times per week) or low (seldom active). We assessed the self reported levels of PA amongst patient with different types of rheumatic diseases and assessed the association between levels of PA and PROs including the PROMIS29 assessment.
Results Among the 3,343 eligible participants, rheumatoid arthritis (68%) was the most common rheumatic disease. Vigorous PA was reported by 468 (14%) participants, and 1,799 (54%) reported moderate activity. Overall, participants reported a median of 7 days of moderate to vigorous level of PA for 30 min or more per month (IQR 0-15). Obese participants were significantly more likely to report low levels of activity (44% of obese compared to 25% of non-obese individuals). Participants with low PA levels had higher (worse) pain scores, higher (worse) HAQ-DI scores, higher depression rates and worse PROMIS29 scores related to pain, sleep and fatigue.
Conclusion Among patients with rheumatic diseases, levels of vigorous PA were relatively low among older patients. These observations, though descriptive, support a relationship between physical inactivity and obesity, depression, poor sleep, and fatigue in patients with rheumatic disease.
