Top 5 Takeaways

1. Prevalence of Physical Activity: In 2019, 67.2% of adults with arthritis engaged in nonwork-related physical activity, with walking being the most common activity (70.8%).
2. Demographic Variations in Walking: Walking prevalence was higher among women, non-Hispanic Black adults, and those unable to work or disabled. It also increased with joint pain severity and body mass index.
3. Gardening and Weightlifting Trends: Gardening was more common among older adults and women, while weightlifting was more prevalent among younger adults and men.
4. State-Specific Differences: The median state-specific unadjusted percentage of adults with arthritis who reported walking was 70.5%, with variations ranging from 62.9% in Hawaii to 75.4% in Alabama.
5. Barriers and Recommendations: Cost and accessibility are significant barriers to physical activity for adults with arthritis. Health care providers are encouraged to refer patients to low-cost, evidence-based physical activity programs.

Original Article Author and Citation

Corresponding Author

Dana Guglielmo, danagugliel@gmail.com; Janet B. Croft, jbc0@cdc.gov

Suggested Citation

Guglielmo D, Murphy LB, Theis KA, et al. Walking and Other Common Physical Activities Among Adults with Arthritis — United States, 2019. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2021;70:1408–1414. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm7040a3

Summary

This article examines the prevalence and types of nonwork-related physical activities among adults with arthritis in the United States in 2019. The study found that 67.2% of adults with arthritis engaged in physical activity, with walking being the most common activity. The analysis also highlighted demographic variations in physical activity preferences and state-specific differences.

Methods

The study used data from the 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS), a state-based telephone survey. Arthritis was defined based on self-reported diagnosis by a healthcare professional. Physical activity was assessed by asking participants if they engaged in any physical activities other than their regular job in the past month. The analysis included 87,299 respondents who reported having arthritis and engaging in physical activity.

Discussion

The findings indicate that walking is the most common physical activity among adults with arthritis, followed by gardening and weightlifting. The study also found that walking prevalence increased with joint pain severity and body mass index. These results suggest that pain does not necessarily preclude physical activity and that walking is a feasible and beneficial activity for adults with arthritis.

Conclusion

Health care providers should encourage adults with arthritis to engage in physical activities, particularly walking, and refer them to low-cost, evidence-based programs. Addressing barriers such as cost and accessibility can help improve the physical and mental health of adults with arthritis.

This has been your booster shot of MMWR Info! Please check back for more MMWR, Public Health, and Programming Tutorial content daily.