Being physically active has been shown to reduce pain and fatigue, improve mobility and enhance quality of life in people with arthritis, but many people with arthritis are not physically active.
In this study, we will test if a new physical activity program can help improve activity levels in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The program involves:
The program involves:
- A group education session on physical activity
- The use of Fitbit Flex with a new web application called FitViz
- Online/telephone counselling by a registered physiotherapist using FitViz
We will recruit 60 participants with RA and 60 participants with SLE in British Columbia. Eligible participants will be randomly assigned to either start the program immediately or wait 2 months.
Participants will also be asked to complete assessments at the beginning, and at the end of 2 months, 4 months, and 6 months of the study. These assessments include an online questionnaire, and wearing another armband accelerometer for 7 days. At the end of the study, participants will be invited to take part in a phone interview about their opinion of the program.