DETERMINATION ABOUT PHYSICAL ACTIVITY OF PATIENTS WITH RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS AT MUSCULOSKELETAL SYSTEM DEPARTMENT, THAI NGUYEN NATIONAL HOSPITAL

Abstract

This paper presents a cross-sectional descriptive study, conducted to determine physical activity of patients with rheumatoid arthritis at Musculoskeletal system Department, Thai Nguyen National Hospital. The study results showed that, almost patients with rheumatoid arthtiris can walk short distances and use less energy for walking. The average of walking distance of patients with rheumatoid arthritis is about 383.3 meters per day, equivalent to consuming about 23 Kcalo for walking. One day, patient with rheumatoid arthritis also spend an average of only 10 Kcalo for climbing stairs. The average time which used for moderate and vigorous intensity activities, was low level.  Time for vigorous intensity activities accounted for 1.2 hours; Time for moderate intensity activities accounted for 3.7 hours. Time for light intensity activities was 5.5 hours. Time for sitting activities was 6.2 hours and sleeping was 7.2 hours. The average time which used for moderate and vigorous intensity activities decrease with age. While the average number of hours spent on light physical activity and sitting activity increased with age. So, it can concluded that physical activities of patients with rheumatoid arthritis decreased compared with general people.