The patients perspective on physical activity and work participation in rmds

Fatigue and musculoskeletal symptoms are shared features of many rheumatic

and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) that often impact on physical activity and

work participation. Physical activity is particularly important in the management

and quality of life of people with RMDs. Participation in regular exercise can facilitate

positive adaptations1, but people with RMDs tend to be less physically active

than the general population.

Two hundred and sixty-eight individuals with antiphospholipid syndrome (APS)

participated in a cross-sectional online survey (85% female, mean age 47±11

years, 59% primary APS) on physical activity and exercise. It was found that 82%

of participants wanted to increase the amount of physical activity and exercise

that they do and 71% of participants were either motivated or very motivated to

participate in physical activity and exercise. However, a range of barriers to

increasing levels of physical activity and exercise were expressed as summarised

in table 1.