Hong Kong Physiotherapy Journal (Jun 2016)

Relationship between self-efficacy, beliefs, and physical activity in inflammatory arthritis

  • Louise Larkin, MSc,
  • Stephen Gallagher, PhD,
  • Alexander D. Fraser, MD, FRCPI,
  • Norelee Kennedy, PhD

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hkpj.2015.10.001
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 34, no. C
pp. 33 – 40

Abstract

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Background: The benefits of physical activity (PA) in inflammatory arthritis (IA) patients are well-established. However, levels of PA in the IA population are suboptimal and the psychological determinants of PA are poorly understood. Objective: The study aimed to examine the self-reported PA levels and psychological determinants of PA for the IA population. Methods: A cross-sectional study of people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA) was conducted to explore the association between demographic and psychological variables such as self-efficacy and belief about PA, and levels of PA and energy expenditure (EE). PA was recorded using the Yale Physical Activity Survey (YPAS). Results: A total of 102 participants were included in the study. Participants reported low levels of PA [mean ± standard deviation (SD), 24.3 ± 18.2]. Beliefs about PA, but not self-efficacy, correlated with levels of self-report PA over the past week (r = 0.25, p = 0.01), over the past month (r = 0.21, p = 0.04), and EE (r = 0.31, p = 0.01). Conclusion: People with IA have decreased levels of PA. Beliefs about PA are associated with levels of self-report PA and EE in this population. These data provide a useful signpost for guiding and designing interventions to improve PA levels in IA populations by altering beliefs about PA.

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