Objective. To explore a possible explanation for the problem of why few people exercise despite the positive health advantages, by examining the relationship between exercise beliefs and participation in exercise activities. Methods. Eighty‐one respondents aged 27–80 were recruited from 3 Chicago‐area health care facilities to complete the study survey; 68 (84%) did so. Participants were asked about their participation in 6 types of exercise activities; they also reported their beliefs concerning their ability to exercise (self‐efficacy for exercise), barriers to exercise, benefits of exercise, and the impact of exercise on their arthritis. Results. Study results indicate that belief in the benefits of exercise and self‐efficacy for exercise are associated with participation in exercise activities. Also, severity of disease differentiated exercisers from non‐exercisers. Conclusions. Results suggest the importance of finding ways to strengthen belief in the benefits of exercise and self‐efficacy for exercise in people with arthritis, particularly people with moderate to severe disease‐related limitations.

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Reported here are the results of the first effort to examine the effects of a dance‐based aerobic exercise program for people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Forty‐three subjects with RA completed a 16‐week program that met twice weekly for 2 hours. One hour was devoted to exercise consisting of 15 to 20 minutes of warm‐ups, 20 to 30 minutes of dance‐based aerobic exercise, and 15 to 20 minutes of mat work for muscle strengthening and flexibility. The second hour was devoted to discussion that emphasized participant problem solving. The combined exercise/ problem‐solving discussion program was called EDUCIZE. Analyses of pretest to posttest changes indicated no deleterious effects on disease activity. In fact, physician‐assessed articular pain and swelling decreased significantly, as did 50‐foot walk time, pain, and depression. Participants reported significant improvement in lower extremity function. Changes in vigor and fatigue approached significance. Perceptions of general health as well as four of five quality of life indices improved significantly. This study adds to the as yet limited literature that indicates that weight‐bearing vigorous exercise is beneficial for people with arthritis. Controlled studies to validate the findings of this study appear warranted. Also important for future research is investigation of the influence of the problem‐solving discussion component on program effects.

This study provides evidence that patient-teachers appear to benefit from teaching despite lowered health status. Similar to other studies, instructors' personal relationships with their respective physicians were positively influenced.