Self-report and device-based physical activity measures and adherence to physical activity recommendations: a cross-sectional survey among people with inflammatory joint disease in four European countries

Objectives Self-monitoring of physical activity (PA) has the potential to contribute to successful behaviour change in PA interventions in different populations, including people with inflammatory joint diseases (IJDs). The objectives of this study were to describe the use and knowledge of self-report-based and device-based PA measures in people with IJDs in four European countries, and to explore if the use of such devices, sociodemographic or disease-related variables were associated with adherence to the recommendations of at least 150 min of moderate to vigorous PA per week. Setting Cross-sectional survey, performed in 2015–2016. Participants People with IJDs in Belgium, Denmark, Ireland and Sweden. Primary and secondary outcome measures Use of self-report and device-based PA measures, receipt of instructions how to use PA measures, confidence in using them, adherence to PA recommendations and associated factors for adherence to PA recommendations. Results Of the 1305 respondents answering questions on PA measures, 600 (46%) reported use of any kind of self-report or device-based measures to self-monitor PA. Between country differences of 34%–58% was observed. Six per cent and four per cent received instructions from health professionals on how to use simple and complex devices, respectively. Independent associated factors of fulfilment of recommendations of PA were living in Ireland (OR=84.89, p<0.001) and Sweden (OR=1.68, p=0.017) compared with living in Denmark, not perceiving activity limitations in moderate activities (OR=1.92, p<0.001) and using a device to measure PA (OR=1.56, p<0.001). Those living in Belgium (OR=0.21, p<0.001) were less likely to fulfil recommendations of PA. Conclusions Almost half of the participants with IJDs used self-report-based or deviced-based PA measures, although few used wearable devices regularly. The results indicate that participants meeting public PA health guidelines were engaged in self-monitoring of PA.