Health-related quality of life by level of physical activity in arthritic older adults with and without activity limitations.
BACKGROUND
This study examined the association between health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and physical activity (PA) among adults with arthritis.


METHODS
National 2003 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey data for 51,444 adults, age > or = 50 years, with physician-diagnosed arthritis were used to analyze the relationships between PA, self-reported health, HRQOL, and activity limitations related to arthritis.


RESULTS
The percentage of older adults with or without an activity limitation who reported fair/poor health or poor HRQOL was significantly higher in inactive persons compared to those who met PA recommendations (P < .0001). Older adults with and without limitations attaining either recommended or insufficient levels of PA were 39% to 70% less likely to report > or = 14 unhealthy mental or physical days compared to inactive older adults (P < .0001).


CONCLUSIONS
Participation in PA at the recommended level was strongly associated with improved perceived health and higher levels of HRQOL; however, participation in some PA was clearly better than being inactive. These data were consistent for persons with arthritis despite the presence of an activity limitation.
Freelove-Charton
Julie
J
Department of Health Promotion, Education, and Behavior, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA.
Bowles
Heather R
HR
Hooker
Steven
S
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001168:Arthritis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008019:Life Style; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity; D011788:Quality of Life; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014481:United States