For patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), pain and fatigue may both cause and be caused by more sitting time and less standing time, according to a study in Rheumatology. Investigators examined longitudinal and bidirectional associations of pain and fatigue with sedentary, standing, and stepping time in patients with RA. Participants undertook identical assessments at baseline (T1) and 6 months (T2). Physical measures and routine clinical assessments were completed to characterize RA disease activity. From T1 to T2, the study team observed a positive association for change in pain, but not fatigue, with change in sedentary time. A negative association was seen for change in pain and fatigue in relation to standing time. There was a significant positive association noted between change in fatigue and change in sedentary time. Path analysis supported the hypothesized bidirectionality of associations for change in pain and fatigue with change in sedentary time (pain, β=0.38; fatigue, β=0.44) and standing time (pain, β = –0.39; fatigue, β= –0.50).

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