The exercise experience in adults with arthritis: a qualitative approach.
OBJECTIVE
To examine perceptions of exercise prior to arthritis, the ways in which arthritis affects exercise behavior, and current exercise behaviors in people with arthritis.


METHODS
Qualitative analyses were used to identify themes in 12 focus groups segmented by exercise status, education, and race.


RESULTS
Non exercisers identified arthritis as a factor in exercise cessation. Exercisers described making changes in type, duration, intensity, and approach to exercise after diagnosis. Exercisers also described participating in a wide range of activities, whereas nonexercisers primarily cited walking.


CONCLUSIONS
Intervention and marketing strategies should focus on different capabilities of exercisers and nonexercisers to modify exercise routines to accommodate arthritis.
Der Ananian
Cheryl A
CA
Institute for Health Research and Policy, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1747 Roosevelt Road, Chicago, IL 60608, USA. cderanan@uic.edu
Wilcox
Sara
S
Abbott
Jill
J
Vrazel
JoEllen
J
Ramsey
Cornelia
C
Sharpe
Patricia
P
Brady
Teresa
T
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001168:Arthritis; D015444:Exercise; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D036301:Qualitative Research; D013022:South Carolina