Modifying Physical Activity Patterns in Individuals with Inflammatory Arthritis: A Comprehensive Review of Current Practices, Influencing Factors, and Intervention Strategies - Report - MDSpire

Modifying Physical Activity Patterns in Individuals with Inflammatory Arthritis: A Comprehensive Review of Current Practices, Influencing Factors, and Intervention Strategies

  • By

  • Manuel Ester

  • Daniel Gillespie

  • Saania Zafar

  • Racheal Githumbi

  • Kiran Dhiman

  • Kamala Adhikari

  • Claire Barber

  • December 3, 2025

  • 0 min

Share

Clinical Report: Modifying Physical Activity Patterns in Inflammatory Arthritis

Overview

This comprehensive review highlights the low physical activity levels in individuals with inflammatory arthritis (IA) and identifies barriers and facilitators affecting engagement. It emphasizes the need for tailored interventions to enhance physical activity and improve health outcomes in this population.

Background

Inflammatory arthritis, including rheumatoid arthritis, spondylarthritis, and psoriatic arthritis, significantly impacts morbidity and disability worldwide. Regular physical activity is recommended to manage symptoms and improve quality of life, yet individuals with IA report lower activity levels compared to the general population. Understanding the factors influencing physical activity engagement is crucial for developing effective interventions.

Data Highlights

No numerical data available in the source material.

Key Findings

  • Individuals with IA experience significant barriers to physical activity, including pain, fatigue, and fear of worsening symptoms.
  • Healthcare provider support is a key facilitator for encouraging regular physical activity among individuals with IA.
  • Despite the benefits of physical activity, individuals with IA often engage in more sedentary behavior than the general population.
  • Existing reviews have primarily focused on disease-related outcomes rather than behavioral aspects of physical activity.
  • There is a lack of comprehensive synthesis regarding effective interventions to promote sustained physical activity in individuals with IA.

Clinical Implications

Healthcare providers should prioritize the identification of barriers to physical activity in individuals with IA and offer tailored support to encourage engagement. Developing evidence-based interventions that address specific challenges faced by this population is essential for improving health outcomes.

Conclusion

A comprehensive understanding of physical activity patterns and influencing factors in individuals with inflammatory arthritis is necessary to inform targeted intervention strategies. This review underscores the importance of addressing both barriers and facilitators to enhance physical activity engagement.

References

  1. A comprehensive analysis of structured physical activity's impact on inflammation and body composition in individuals with inflammatory bowel disease, Springer, 2023 -- Title
  2. Effectiveness of physical exercise on foot pain and function in adults with rheumatoid arthritis: systematic review and meta-analysis, Clinical Rheumatology, 2026 -- Title
  3. Systematic review of dynamically tailored eHealth interventions targeting physical activity and healthy diet in chronic disease, npj Digital Medicine, 2025 -- Title
  4. Encouraging Exercise Among Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: Insights into the Educational and Practical Needs of Rheumatologists and Healthcare Providers, Clinical Rheumatology, 2011 -- Title
  5. EULAR Recommendations for Physical Activity in People with Inflammatory Arthritis and Osteoarthritis: 2025 Update, ScienceDirect, 2025 -- Title
  6. High-intensity interval training improves cardiovascular and physical health in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a multicentre randomised controlled trial, PMC, 2023 -- Title
  7. POS1441-HPR EULAR RECOMMENDATIONS FOR PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN PEOPLE WITH INFLAMMATORY ARTHRITIS AND OSTEOARTHRITIS: 2025 UPDATE - ScienceDirect
  8. High-intensity interval training improves cardiovascular and physical health in patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a multicentre randomised controlled trial - PMC

Original Source(s)

Related Content