EULAR Recommendations for Physical Activity in Arthritis: A 6-Question Quiz

The European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) recently issued recommendations for physical activity in inflammatory arthritis and osteoarthritis (rheumatoid arthritis [RA], spondyloarthritis, and hip and knee osteoarthritis).¹ Test your knowledge about the recommendations with these 6 questions.

Question 1.

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Answer: C. At least 3 to 5 days per week

Cardiorespiratory (aerobic) exercise is recommended for healthy adults at a frequency/intensity of moderate exercise at least 5 times per week for 30 minutes and vigorous exercise at least 3 times per week for 20 minutes.

Question 2.

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Answer: B. False

The first 2 overarching principles of the 2018 EULAR recommendations state: (1) Physical activity is part of a larger system to optimize health-related quality of life; and (2) Physical activity (PA) is beneficial to the health of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), spondyloarthritis (SpA), and hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA).

Question 3.

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Answer: E. All of the above

The third overarching EULAR principle states, “General PA recommendations, including the four domains (cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength, flexibility and neuromotor performance) are applicable (feasible and safe) to people with RA/OA/SpA.”¹

Question 4.

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Answer: A. Older persons to improve and maintain physical function and reduce falls

Exercises involving motor skills, proprioceptive training, and activities to improve balance (such as yoga and tai chi) are recommended in older persons to maintain physical function and reduce risk of falls (at a frequency of 20 to 30 minutes 2 or 3 times weekly). Benefits have not been established in other groups, although it was deemed there is “probable benefit.”¹

Question 5.

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Answer: B. Needed to assess activity level across 4 exercise domains

EULAR recommendation 4 states: “The PA level (active or non-active) and the exercise domains (cardiorespiratory, muscle strength, flexibility and neuromotor) should be routinely assessed. Of 11 trials investigating the effect of PA promotion interventions, three RCTs described baseline screening to distinguish between active and non-active persons before starting the tailored PA-intervention. Specific tools are needed to assess each domain.”¹

Question 6.

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Answer: A. True

EULAR recommendation 9 states, “Healthcare providers should plan and deliver PA interventions that include the behavioural change techniques of self-monitoring, goal setting, action planning, feedback and problem solving.”¹

For more information, please see 10 EULAR Recommendations for Physical Activity in Inflammatory Arthritis and Osteoarthritis.

References:

1. Rausch Osthoff A, Niedermann K, Braun J, et al. 2018 EULAR recommendations for physical activity in people with inflammatory arthritis and osteoarthritis. Ann Rheum Dis. 2018;77:1251-1260.