rheumatoid arthritis (RA) (1). As known, RA affects primarily synovial joints and can lead to loss of function and decreased mobility. Objectives: The aim of this study was to explore the PA levels of adults with RA and to examine associations between PA and socio-demographic characteristics, immunological features, disease activity and treatment type. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study including patients with RA (ACR/EULAR criteria).Disease activity was evaluated by Disease Activity

more »

... erythrocyte sedimentation rate (DAS28 ESR). Physical activity was measured using IPAQ-SF (International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form). Its items records the time spent on physical activity of three intensity levels (vigorous, moderate and walking) as well as the time spent on sitting in the past week. Both continuous [expressed as metabolic equivalent of task (MET-min/week)] and categorical (low, moderate and high level of PA) scores of IPAQ-SF were determined. Sedentary time (median) was reported in minutes/week. A p value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: A total of 56 patients with RA were evaluated, 7 men and 47 women. The mean age was 54.9±9.8 years, the mean disease duration was 12.5±11.1 years and the mean DAS28 ESR was 4.3±1.3.The mean body mass index was 28.6 kg/m 2 . Eighty two point two percent of patients were on sDMARD, 17.9% were on Biologics and 64.3 were on prednisone. The mean sedentary time was 1777.5±729.6 minutes/week and the mean IPAQ-SF continuous score was 2962.2±3327.9 MET-min/week. Thirty point four percent of patients had low level PA, 46.4% had moderate level, and 23.2% of patients had high level PA. Patients with low level PA were significantly older (58.5 years for low level PA versus 55.3 years for moderate level PA versus 49.3 years for high level PA; p=0.035), and significantly more active (DAS28 ESR= 5.2 for low level PA versus 3.9 for moderate level PA versus 3.8 for high level PA; p=0.003). There were no significant differences in the other characteristics across the PA categories. Correlation analysis revealed a significant negative correlation between PA (Total MET-min/ week) and both age (p=0.007; r = -0.354) and DAS28 ESR (p=0.023; r = -0.304). Moreover, there was a significant positive correlation between sedentary time and disease activity (p=0.021; r = 0.307). Conclusions: Our study proved that PA in patients with RA decreased with age and activity disease with a concomitant increase in sedentary time. Given the risks of developing secondary chronic disease as a result of low levels of PA, physical exercise should be recommended as part of comprehensive RA care.