Physical activity in established rheumatoid arthritis and variables associated with maintenance of physical activity over a seven-year period - a longitudinal observational study.

Maintenance of physical activity over a long period of time is challenging for patients with established RA. Reports of high quality of life supported maintenance of physical activity while disease related and unhealthy lifestyle factors had a negative effect. Health professionals should consider the patient's standpoint when encouraging maintenance of physical activity, preferably using coordinated lifestyle interventions.