Article

OBJECTIVE: To describe the experience of physical activity maintenance in
patients with rheumatoid arthritis. DESIGN: A qualitative salutogenic-oriented
interview study. SETTING:
A rheumatology outpatient clinic. SUBJECTS: A purposive
sample of 16 physically active patients (mean age 50, range 37-67) diagnosed with
rheumatoid arthritis on average 21 years previously (range 4-46 years). METHODS:
In-depth interviews were conducted using a semi-structured interview guide to
illuminate how the phenomenon 'physical activity maintenance' was experienced by
patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The interviews were analysed using systematic
text condensation, inspired by Giorgi's descriptive phenomenological methodology.
RESULTS: The analysis revealed three categories:
(1) knowing and enjoying the
body; (2) responsibility and challenges; (3) autonomy and social belonging. On
the basis of these categories, the essential meaning of the phenomenon of
physical activity maintenance for patients with rheumatoid arthritis was summarized into 'striving for a transparent body and participation', pointing to
experiences of sensations of wellbeing, liberation from restrictions and social
participation on equal terms with non-arthritis populations. CONCLUSION: This
study demonstrates that physical activity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis
may be understood as a resource to resist disability and to feel and stay healthy
while creating and sustaining meaningfulness in life.

Langue : ANGLAIS