Self-report and device-based physical activity measures and adherence to physical activity recommendations: a cross-sectional survey among people with inflammatory joint disease in four European countries

ObjectivesSelf-monitoring of physical activity (PA) has the potential to contribute to successful behaviour change in PA interventions in different populations, including people with inflammatory joint diseases (IJDs). The objectives of this study were to describe the use and knowledge of self-report-based and device-based PA measures in people with IJDs in four European countries, and to explore if the use of such devices, sociodemographic or disease-related variables were associated with adherence to the recommendations of at least 150 min of moderate to vigorous PA per week.SettingCross-sectional survey, performed in 2015-2016.ParticipantsPeople with IJDs in Belgium, Denmark, Ireland and Sweden.Primary and secondary outcome measuresUse of self-report and device-based PA measures, receipt of instructions how to use PA measures, confidence in using them, adherence to PA recommendations and associated factors for adherence to PA recommendations.ResultsOf the 1305 respondents answering questions on PA measures, 600 (46%) reported use of any kind of self-report or device-based measures to self-monitor PA. Between country differences of 34%-58% was observed. Six per cent and four per cent received instructions from health professionals on how to use simple and complex devices, respectively. Independent associated factors of fulfilment of recommendations of PA were living in Ireland (OR=84.89, p<0.001) and Sweden (OR=1.68, p=0.017) compared with living in Denmark, not perceiving activity limitations in moderate activities (OR=1.92, p<0.001) and using a device to measure PA (OR=1.56, p<0.001). Those living in Belgium (OR=0.21, p<0.001) were less likely to fulfil recommendations of PA.ConclusionsAlmost half of the participants with IJDs used self-report-based or deviced-based PA measures, although few used wearable devices regularly. The results indicate that participants meeting public PA health guidelines were engaged in self-monitoring of PA.

Automated summary

This study aims to describe the use and knowledge of self-report-based and device-based physical activity measures in people with inflammatory joint diseases (IJDs) in four European countries, and explore the association between the use of such measures and adherence to recommended levels of physical activity. The results showed that 46% of respondents reported using self-report or device-based measures for self-monitoring physical activity. Factors such as living in Ireland and Sweden, not perceiving activity limitations, and using a device to measure physical activity were associated with adherence to recommended levels.