Walking and Other Common Physical Activities Among Adults with Arthritis — United States, 2019

Abstract

The numerous health benefits of physical activity include reduced risk for chronic disease and improved mental health and quality of life (1). Physical activity can improve physical function and reduce pain and fall risk among adults with arthritis, a group of approximately 100 conditions affecting joints and surrounding tissues (most commonly osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, gout, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus) (1). Despite these benefits, the 54.6 million U.S. adults currently living with arthritis are generally less active than adults without arthritis, and only 36.2% of adults with arthritis are aerobically active (i.e., meet aerobic physical activity guidelines*) (2). Little is known about which physical activities adults with arthritis engage in. CDC analyzed 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) data to examine the most common nonwork-related physical activities among adults with arthritis who reported any physical activity during the past month, nationally and by state. In 2019, 67.2% of adults with arthritis reported engaging in physical activity in the past month; among these persons, the most commonly reported activities were walking (70.8%), gardening (13.3%), and weightlifting (7.3%). In 45 U.S. states, at least two thirds of adults with arthritis who engaged in physical activity reported walking. Health care providers can help inactive adults with arthritis become active and, by encouraging physical activity and referring these persons to evidence-based physical activity programs, improve their health and quality of life.BRFSS is an ongoing, state-based landline and cellular telephone survey of noninstitutionalized U.S. adults aged ≥18 years conducted by health departments in 50 states, the District of Columbia (DC), and U.S. territories. † In 2019, the median response rate among the 49 states included in this analysis § was 49.4% (range = 37.3%-73.1%). ¶ Arthritis was defined as an affirmative response to the question, "Have you ever been told by a doctor or other health care professional that you have

Protection against Osteoarthritis Symptoms by Aerobic Exercise with a High-Protein Diet by Reducing Inflammation in a Testosterone-Deficient Animal Model

“…People with arthritis are less active than those without arthritis, even though physical activity reduces pain and improves physical function in adults with arthritis because physical activity is believed to exacerbate the clinical symptoms and pain. The most physical activity engaged in those with arthritis is walking [35]. Exercise protects against agingassociated impairment in the skeletal muscles, chondrocytes, osteoblast, and osteoclasts, contributing to the development and progression of OA [36].…”

State-Specific Prevalence of Inactivity, Self-Rated Health Status, and Severe Joint Pain Among Adults With Arthritis — United States, 2019

“…As of July 2018, the CDC Arthritis Program funds 13 state programs ( https://www.cdc.gov/arthritis/partners/funded-states.htm ) through a 5-year award to increase awareness of and access to evidence-based interventions for adults living with arthritis, to decrease physical inactivity, and to increase walking. Progress of the funded programs is tracked by monitoring these 3 arthritis-related characteristics, in addition to health care provider physical activity counseling ( 9 ), self-management education class attendance ( 9 ), and walking for exercise ( 10 ).…”

The Critical Role of Physical Activity and Weight Management in Knee and Hip Osteoarthritis: A Narrative Review

“…Barriers to PA among adults with OA vary and may include fear of further joint damage or injury; pain and functional impairment; lack of knowledge, motivation, or time; and difficulty accessing or paying for services, programs, or equipment. 30,43 Generally, patients with OA are more likely to be physically active if it is recommended Box 1. Types of physical activity beneficial for knee or hip OA.…”