Physical Activity in Adults with Arthritis and Its Contribution to Health Outcomes Samannaaz S. Khoja1, Gustavo J. Almeida1, Mary Chester Wasko2, Sara R. Piva1 1 Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health & Rehabilitation Sciences; 2 West Penn Allegheny Health System, Pittsburgh, PA BACKGROUND RESULTS (continued) The benefits of participation in activities of moderate-to-vigorous intensity are well known and have been investigated across several studies. Studies that explored the relationship between physical activity (PA) and health-related outcomes mainly focused on activities of moderate-to-vigorous intensities. Adults with musculoskeletal disorders, such as arthritis, are likely to spend most of the time in activities of light intensities and lifestyle, and may not be able to achieve moderate levels of PA due to their functional limitations. Understanding the association between health-related markers and the time that adults with arthritis spent in light-to-lifestyle intensity activities will highlight the importance of measuring PA performed at this level. PA contribution to physical function was higher at moderate intensity (R2Δ) compared to light or lifestyle intensities. PA contribution to insulin resistance, blood pressure, HDL and BMI was higher at light and/or lifestyle intensity compared to moderate intensity. OBJECTIVES To characterize the time that adults with arthritis spent in daily activities of various intensity levels, and identify the proportion who meet the recommended PA guidelines of 150 min/week (in 10-minute bouts). To explore the relationship between time spent in each intensity category and markers of health-related outcomes. METHODS DESIGN OVERVIEW Cross-sectional study. Baseline data on PA from 4 studies in arthritis were used- two studies in subjects with end-stage knee osteoarthritis after total knee replacement (TKA) and the two studies in subjects with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Subjects wore a valid portable monitor to measure PA (SenseWear Armband). It was worn on the right arm, midpoint between elbow and shoulder, for 24/7. PA was characterized as min/day in sedentary, light, lifestyle, and moderate intensity activities. Meeting PA guideline was defined as ≥15 ten-minute bouts of moderate PA per week. DATA ANALYSIS Descriptive statistics was used to characterize PA. We used multiple linear regression models to determine the relationship between health-related markers and each PA intensity category after adjusting by gender and cohort study. CONCLUSIONS RESULTS Light and lifestyle activities appear to be important contributing factors for health related outcomes. Hence, it is important to measure time spent in PA performed at light-to-lifestyle intensities to further assess its impact on health, especially in people with arthritis who are less likely to spend time in moderate to vigorous intensities. Our sample of 164 subjects was 77% female, with average age of 63±10 years and BMI 30±6 kg/m2, and with moderate levels of functional limitations. Only 17% met the PA guidelines. 132 subjects with data on health related outcomes were included in linear regression models. PA was not associated with low-density lipoproteins (LDL) or triglycerides levels. Funds: Pepper Center (P30-AG024827) and Rehabilitation Institute, University of Pittsburgh K01-HD058035 - Mentored Research Scientist Development Award (NIH/ NICHD/ NCMRR)