Outdoor Exercise for People with Rheumatic Disease-Study Protocol and Baseline Characteristics of the OUTdoor Physical ACtivity Cohort (OUTPAC).

ABSTRACT: The OUTPAC cohort study evaluates the setup and implementation of a nationwide Danish initiative focused on the impact of structured outdoor physical activity (PA) on individuals with rheumatic diseases. This prospective cohort study includes more than 1600 participants, predominantly women (92%), with an average age of 65 years (range: 28-93). The cohort primarily consists of individuals with osteoarthritis (72%), rheumatoid arthritis (18%) and nonspecific lower back pain (13%). Volunteer instructors conducted interventions in outdoor settings, targeting strength, balance, physical capacity, mental health, and interaction with nature. Data collection involved questionnaires and physical tests in four primary outcome domains: quality of life, pain, physical function and activity, and menta

SUBMITTER: Ahler JR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11765233 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature