Abstract
BackgroundPeople with rheumatoid arthritis are at greater risk of morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease than the general population. Sustained physical activity increases cardio-respiratory fitness and reduces cardiovascular disease risk factors. However, little is known about how we can effectively promote long-term participation in physical activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The literature consistently calls for physical activity interventions, and their implementation, to be theoretically-grounded.Methods/DesignThis paper documents the protocol of a randomised control trial that investigates whether a Self-determination Theory-based intervention fosters the adoption and maintenance of physical activity (3, 6 and 12 months) sufficient to provide sustained cardiovascular and personal well-being benefits in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The cost effectiveness of the intervention will also be determined. The trial is registered as Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN04121489.DiscussionResults from this trial will provide guidance regarding key social environmental factors that can be manipulated to support motivational processes conducive to positive health behaviour change and optimal functioning in patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2474-15-445) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Highlights
People with rheumatoid arthritis are at greater risk of morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease than the general population
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with increased morbidity and mortality, from cardiovascular disease
In other patient groups, exercise training programmes of several weeks or months in duration have enhanced insulin sensitivity [22], reduced blood pressure [23], improved lipoprotein profile and decreased body fatness [24], and may even have an anti-inflammatory effect [25]. These data clearly suggest that most cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors, which are pronounced in RA patients, can be beneficially modified by increasing levels of physical activity (PA) engagement [14,26]
Summary
This paper details the rationale and protocol for conducting an RCT investigating the effect of participation in two exercise programmes which were customised for people with RA, exercise only versus exercise with an additional psychological intervention that aimed to enhance the adoption and maintenance of PA, autonomous motivation for PA engagement, and associated indicators of health, QOL, and psychological well being. Competing interests The authors declare that they have no competing interests. Authors’ contributions JLD, GK, JVVZ and GM conceived the study. JLD, GK, JVVZ, GM, NN, PR and CY were involved with the design of the study and protocol development. All authors read and approved the final manuscript
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