Running with rheumatoid arthritis: a qualitative study of Australian rheumatologists' perceptions and recommendations.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

To explore how Australian rheumatologists perceive and recommend running for individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), including their clinical experiences, observations and personal views.

Design

Qualitative exploratory study using semistructured interviews. Interviews were conducted via Microsoft Teams, transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically using NVivo software.

Setting

Australia; interviews were conducted remotely via Microsoft Teams with participants joining from either clinical or home environments.

Participants

13 practising Australian rheumatologists recruited through purposive and snowball sampling.

Results

Five themes were identified from thematic analysis: (1) perceived benefits of running, (2) risks and clinical cautions,

SUBMITTER: Shearman S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12606492 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature