About one-fourth of originally sedentary individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), who participated in a recent health-enhancing physical activity (HEPA) program, sustained their new HEPA behaviors after 2 years. Furthermore, most improvements of health and functioning were sustained. Out of 220 individuals with RA, 177 participated in the follow-up. Group support, strength training, and moderate-intensity aerobic activity were encouraged. Participants with unchanged/improved general health perception and at least 2 of aerobic capacity, grip strength, or timed standing were considered responders. Researchers found:

• Current and maintained HEPA decreased from 82% to 75% and from 41% to 27% during the second year.
• Minor declines in quality of life and activity limitation occurred, while outcome expectations for benefits of physical activity increased and waist circumference tapered off.
• Strength training was performed on average 41 and 35 times among responders (n=54) and non-responders (n=105), respectively; HEPA 194 and 171 days, respectively; and support group meetings 12 and 10 times, respectively.
• Strength training, aerobic activity, and short text message reminders were perceived as most valuable; step registration and the self-monitoring walk tests were less appreciated.