Sedentary behaviour and physical activity in RA and OA
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Correlates of sedentary behaviour and physical activity in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Osteoarthritis (OA)
IRAS ID
198880
Contact name
Sophia Brady
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Birmingham
Duration of Study in the UK
4 years, 0 months, 12 days
Research summary
Moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) is recommended for people with Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and lower limb Osteoarthritis (OA) in order to improve physical and psychological health, as well as to reduce the joint pain, disease-related inflammation, and associated physical dysfunction symptomatic of these conditions. However, the physical dysfunction resulting from RA and OA also means that most individuals living with these conditions do not engage in sufficient levels of MVPA to experience these health benefits.
Reducing sedentary behaviour (e.g., time spent sitting, lying) may be perceived as more manageable than increasing MVPA for people with RA and OA. Recent studies in older adults have suggested that reducing sedentary behaviour might help to improve physical function, enhance psychological health, and lessen systemic inflammation. Importantly, the positive health benefits of reducing sedentary behaviour are reported to occur regardless of levels of MVPA participation.
Currently, we know little about the physical and psychological health implications of sedentary behaviour for RA and OA, as well as factors predictive of both sedentary time and MVPA engagement. In addition, we do not know if the possible health implications of sedentary behaviour are independent from the health benefits of MVPA engagement for these individuals.
The primary aim of this research is therefore to investigate (and compare) the determinants and health consequences of objectively measured MVPA and sedentary behaviour in RA and OA. The research will be conducted at Russells Hall Hospital (Dudley). Patients who consent will be asked to participate in 2 ‘study weeks’, 6 months apart. At the start and end of each study week, participants will be asked to complete questionnaires, provide a fasted blood sample (RA only), and undertake assessments of height, weight, body composition, and blood pressure. Participants will also be given an accelerometer to wear for 7 days during the study week.
REC name
West Midlands - Black Country Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
16/WM/0371
Date of REC Opinion
12 Sep 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion