Patient Perceptions of Physical Activity After a Diagnosis of Giant Cell Arteritis: Analysis of Multinational Qualitative Data

Objective To explore patient perceptions of physical activity in giant cell arteritis (GCA). Methods This was a multinational qualitative study, analyzing interview data collected from participants from the UK (n = 25) and Australia (n = 11) with a definitive diagnosis of GCA from imaging or biopsy. Interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis to identify themes related to physical activity. This was secondary analysis of data collected to explore health-related quality of life in people with GCA. Results A total of 108 individual codes pertaining to physical activity were identified. These were grouped into 2 overarching themes: barriers to and facilitators of physical activity, each with 4 subthemes. Barriers were categorized into physical symptoms (including visual loss, fatigue, weakness, pain, and stiffness), perceptions of personal capability (including poor stamina, confidence, and mobility), negative perceptions of physical activity, and negative consequences. Facilitators of physical activity were categorized into external facilitators (including motivation from health care professionals and support groups), access to appropriate facilities, personal strategies (including pacing and goal-setting), and personal facilitators (including internal motivation to improve symptoms, and positive reinforcement). Conclusion A range of barriers and facilitators to physical activity were identified in relation to GCA. Future work could include development of an intervention to support physical activity in patients with GCA; ideally this intervention should be underpinned by an appropriate behavioral change framework and codesigned with patients.

Automated summary

The study identified a range of barriers and facilitators to physical activity in giant cell arteritis (GCA) patients, including physical symptoms, perceptions of personal capability, negative perceptions of physical activity, and facilitators such as motivation from healthcare professionals and personal strategies like pacing and goal-setting. Future work could involve developing an intervention to support physical activity in GCA patients, potentially using a behavioral change framework and involving patients in the design process.