Physical Activity Types and Programs Recommended by Primary Care Providers Treating Adults With Arthritis, DocStyles 2018
RESEARCH BRIEF — Volume 18 — October 14, 2021
PEER REVIEWED
Figure. Physical activity types and programs recommended by primary care providers (N = 1,366) who recommended physical activity to adults with arthritis, DocStyles 2018. For physical activity types, survey participants were asked, “When you talk to your patients with arthritis/rheumatic conditions about physical activity/exercise what type of activity do you recommend? Select all that apply.” For physical activity programs, survey participants were asked, “Have you ever recommended one or more of the following exercise programs to your patients? Select all that apply.” Survey participants were primary care providers who responded “always” or “sometimes” to “When you see patients with arthritis/rheumatic conditions how often do you recommend physical activity/exercise for management of their condition?” Error bars indicate 95% CIs. Abbreviation: AF, Arthritis Foundation.
| Physical Activity | n | % (95% CI) |
|---|---|---|
| Types recommended | ||
| Walking, swimming, or cycling | 1,205 | 88.2 (86.5−89.9) |
| Stretching | 872 | 63.8 (61.3−66.4) |
| Physical therapy | 831 | 60.8 (58.2−63.4) |
| Balance exercises | 611 | 44.7 (42.1−47.4) |
| Aerobic exercise classes | 517 | 37.8 (35.3−40.4) |
| Other | 29 | 2.1 (1.4−2.9) |
| Arthritis-appropriate programs recommended | ||
| None of these | 895 | 65.5 (63.0−68.0) |
| Arthritis Foundation Aquatic Program | 246 | 18.0 (16.0−20.0) |
| Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program | 197 | 14.4 (12.6−16.3) |
| Walk With Ease | 189 | 13.8 (12.0−15.7) |
| Active Living Every Day | 173 | 12.7 (10.9−14.4) |
| Fit & Strong! | 121 | 8.9 (7.3−10.4) |
| EnhanceFitness | 53 | 3.9 (2.9−4.9) |
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