Physical activity is now part of the official recommendations for the management of chronic inflammatory rheumatism (CIR).
- 42% of people suffering from chronic inflammatory rheumatism do not practice regular physical activity.
- However, regular physical activity is part of the official health recommendations for this type of pathologies.
- 5 cities will host the show this Saturday, October 21: Bourges, Marseille, Roubaix, Pont-de-Buis-lès-Quimerch and Saint-Priest.
To fight against a sedentary lifestyle and support patients towards more movement, AFPric decided to focus on physical activity during its 23rd show which took place on October 13 and 14 in Paris.
Chronic inflammatory rheumatism (RIC): one million French people affected
Nearly a million French people are affected by chronic inflammatory rheumatism (CIR), autoimmune and/or auto-inflammatory diseases that affect the joints. Although patients have long been advised to rest their bodies, regular physical activity is now part of the official treatment recommendations.
“In chronic inflammatory rheumatism, practicing physical activity reduces pain and morning stiffness, improves psychological well-being, helps fight muscle loss and fatigue”explains Dr Lisa Bialé, head of the rheumatology department at the Bégin Army Instruction Hospital in Saint-Mandé (94).
“Physical activity reduces inflammation”
“It has been shown that regular physical activity reduces the body’s production of cytokines responsible for inflammation, and therefore the activity of RICs. Practicing physical activity also triggers the production of hormones such as endorphins, dopamine and serotonin, which will fight against stress, anxiety and depression. explains the specialist.
“I have always practiced physical activity and the illness did not prevent me from continuing: on the contrary, all doctors advise moving. When I learned that I had rheumatoid arthritis, I wanted to move towards a gentle activity. Pilates sessions allowed me to maintain the flexibility and mobility of my joints while providing me with physical and mental well-being. I also practice swimming and aquagym, which are beneficial for bodybuilding and relaxation without brutalizing my joints. And of course, walking remains the best activity for me, easily accessible and free. Sport yes, but without forcing too much and always having fun!”, also confides Mireille, who suffers from rheumatoid arthritis.
42% of people suffering from rheumatism do not practice physical activity
According to a survey carried out in 2018, 42% of people suffering from chronic inflammatory rheumatism do not practice regular physical activity.
Despite increasingly effective treatments and care, patients continue to see their quality of life impaired by fatigue, pain, functional discomfort and the psychological repercussions of the disease. Furthermore, compared to the general population, they are at greater risk of developing certain pathologies, such as osteoporosis or cardiovascular diseases.
5 cities will host the show mentioned at the start of the article this Saturday, October 21: Bourges, Roubaix, Pont-de-Buis-lès-Quimerch and Saint-Priest.