Motivation as a determinant of physical activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Objective

A sufficient level of physical activity is important in reducing the impact of disease in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. According to self‐determination theory, the achievement and maintenance of physical activity is related to goal setting and ownership, which can be supported by health professionals. Our objective was to examine the association between physical activity and the extent to which RA patients 1) believe that physical activity is a goal set by themselves (autonomous regulation) or by others (coerced regulation) and 2) feel supported by rheumatologists (autonomy supportiveness).

Method

A random selection of 643 RA patients from the outpatient clinics of 3 hospitals were sent a postal survey to assess current physical activity level (Short Questionnaire to Assess Health‐Enhancing Physical Activity), regulation style (Treatment Self‐Regulation Questionnaire), and the autonomy supportiveness of their rheumatologists (modified Health Care Climate Questionnaire).

Results

Of the 271 patients (42%) who returned the questionnaire, 178 (66%) were female, their mean ± SD age was 62 ± 14 years, and their mean ± SD disease duration was 10 ± 8 years. Younger age, female sex, higher education level, shorter disease duration, lower disease activity, and a more autonomous regulation were univariately associated with more physical activity. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses demonstrated that younger age and a more autonomous regulation were significantly associated with a higher physical activity level (P = 0.000 and 0.050, respectively).

Conclusion

Regulation style was a significant determinant of physical activity in RA patients. This finding may contribute to further development of interventions to enhance physical activity in RA patients.