Health-related quality of life by level of physical activity in arthritic older adults with and without activity limitations.

BACKGROUND: This study examined the association between health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and physical activity (PA) among adults with arthritis. METHODS: National 2003 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey data for 51,444 adults, age > or = 50 years, with physician-diagnosed arthritis were used to analyze the relationships between PA, self-reported health, HRQOL, and activity limitations related to arthritis. RESULTS: The percentage of older adults with or without an activity limitation who reported fair/poor health or poor HRQOL was significantly higher in inactive persons compared to those who met PA recommendations (P < .0001). Older adults with and without limitations attaining either recommended or insufficient levels of PA were 39% to 70% less likely to report > or = 14 unhealthy mental or physical days compared to inactive older adults (P < .0001). CONCLUSION: Participation in PA at the recommended level was strongly associated with improved perceived health and higher levels of HRQOL; however, participation in some PA was clearly better than being inactive. These data were consistent for persons with arthritis despite the presence of an activity limitation.