Are Personal Characteristics Associated with Exercise Participation in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis? A Cross-Sectional Explorative Survey

Background Organized exercise programs for patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are useful to enhance physical activity and fitness. However, participation and adherence rates of these programs are low. This study aimed to identify demographic, personal and disease‐related factors interfering with implementing an exercise program for RA. Methods A random sample of ambulatory RA patients from a single centre was divided into two groups, depending on their willingness to participate in an exercise program. Subsequently, demographic data (gender, age, disease duration and educational level) and disease‐related and personal factors were obtained (Disease Activity Score; Short Form 36 [SF‐36]; Health Assessment Questionnaire; Global Disease Activity; and also the Utrecht Coping List [UCL], Illness Cognition Questionnaire; TAMPA scale and modified Baecke questionnaire). Results Of the 154 people completing the survey, 113 (73%) indicated that they were willing to participate in an exercise program. These positive responders (PR) were more often female (p