title: Perceptions of physical activity engagement among adults with rheumatoid arthritis and rheumatologists.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Physical activity (PA) among adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is suboptimal. This study assessed PA motivations and perceptions in adults with RA and rheumatologists.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients and rheumatologists participated in structured interviews led by a behavioral scientist. Sessions were audiotaped, transcribed and coded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Twenty-three patients (mean age = 63 [standard deviation = 10], 96% female) and seven rheumatologists (57% male, 29% fellows) participated. Nine themes emerged: communication with the rheumatologist, environment/access, symptom management, social support, mental health, breaking inactivity cycles, integrating PA into routines, staying in control and challenge/intimidation. Highly active patients viewed PA differently than low active patients. The need to compete with RA-free individuals may impede PA.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Understanding how patients conceptualize PA will enable clinicians to formulate PA strategies to motivate patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, 301 C RB, Boston, MA 02115, USA ; Section of Clinical Sciences, Division of Rheumatology, Immunology & Allergy, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA ; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
authors.forename: Maura D
authors.initials: MD
authors.lastname: Iversen
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, 301 C RB, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
authors.forename: Lauren
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Scanlon
authors.affiliation: Section of Clinical Sciences, Division of Rheumatology, Immunology & Allergy, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
authors.forename: Michelle
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Frits
authors.affiliation: Section of Clinical Sciences, Division of Rheumatology, Immunology & Allergy, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA ; Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
authors.forename: Nancy A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: Shadick
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Movement & Rehabilitation Sciences, Bouvé College of Health Sciences, Northeastern University, 360 Huntington Avenue, 301 C RB, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
authors.forename: Nancy
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Sharby
keywords: motivators; perceptions; physical activity; rheumatoid arthritis