Search Results (65)

Background: Fatigue is a common and disabling symptom in axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA), yet its magnitude relative to the general population and potential sex-specific differences remain insufficiently characterized, particularly in older adults. We therefore aimed to assess fatigue in adults aged ≥ 50 years with axSpA, using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy–Fatigue (FACIT-F) scale, to compare fatigue levels with age- and sex-matched controls, and to explore sex-specific differences and clinical factors associated with fatigue. Methods: We conducted an observational case–control study including consecutive patients with axSpA aged ≥ 50 years and control subjects frequency-matched by age and sex. Fatigue was assessed using the FACIT-F, and clinically relevant fatigue was defined as a FACIT-F score < 40. Case–control comparisons were stratified by sex, and sex-stratified multivariable linear regression models were applied. Results: The study included 173 patients with axSpA (120 men, 53 women; mean age: 64.2 years) and 383 controls. Clinically relevant fatigue was more frequent in women than in men (84.9% vs. 50.0%; p < 0.001). Women reported more severe fatigue than men (FACIT-F: 29.4 ± 10.4 vs. 37.4 ± 10.2; p < 0.001). In case–control comparisons, fatigue was greater in patients than in controls in both sexes, with descriptively larger differences among women. In sex-stratified multivariable analyses, the ASAS Health Index (ASAS-HI) was independently associated with fatigue in both men and women. In reduced models including age, BASDAI, and ASAS-HI, ASAS-HI remained independently associated with FACIT-F in both men (β: −1.74, 95% CI: −2.08 to −1.41) and women (β: −1.80, 95% CI: −2.35 to −1.26; p < 0.001 for both). BASDAI showed an additional independent association in women (β: −1.19, 95%: CI −2.09 to −0.30; p = 0.010), but not in men. Conclusions: Fatigue is highly prevalent and clinically relevant in adults aged ≥50 years with axSpA, with a clear sex-specific pattern. Women experience a greater fatigue burden, and comparisons with controls suggest a larger excess among women. Fatigue represents an important dimension of disease burden in axSpA, with stronger associations with overall health status than with conventional inflammatory measures. Full article

Background: Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) is a rare blood disorder characterized by complement-mediated hemolytic anemia and thrombosis. The first treatments approved were complement 5 inhibitors (C5is), eculizumab and ravulizumab. Recently approved treatments include pegcetacoplan, iptacopan, danicopan (as an add-on to a C5i), and crovalimab. Methods: A systematic literature review (SLR) was conducted to identify clinical evidence on all available treatments. Outcomes evaluated were hemoglobin and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, transfusion avoidance, Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT)-Fatigue scores, and safety. Results: In total, 133 records met the inclusion criteria. Of these, 54 records reporting on 11 Phase 3 trials and 2 extension studies are summarized. Eight trials and one extension study evaluated complement inhibitor (CI)-naïve patients, three trials evaluated CI-experienced patients with residual anemia, and one extension study evaluated both groups. In both patient groups, all treatments led to improved outcomes. Conclusions: This SLR is the first to provide an overview of clinical trials assessing the efficacy and safety of all currently approved PNH treatments, which could help inform clinical decisions. Although some head-to-head trials are available, direct comparative evidence remains limited for several comparators, necessitating an indirect treatment comparison (ITC) to assess the efficacy and safety across the treatment landscape. Full article

Background: Reduced quality of life, cancer-related fatigue, and functional impairment are common during and after oncologic treatment. Although therapeutic exercise is effective, evidence on brief, supervised programs of moderate to vigorous intensity remains limited, despite their greater clinical feasibility. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a six-week multimodal Therapeutic Exercise Program (TEP) in patients with cancer. Methods: A randomized controlled clinical trial (NCT05816187) was conducted with 110 patients with cancer (stages I–III), assigned to either an intervention group (supervised TEP, three sessions per week for six weeks) or a control group (usual care). The program included cardiorespiratory and strength training with intensity monitored using the Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE), as well as stretching exercises. Quality of life (QoL) was assessed using the European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 (EORTC QLQ-C30), fatigue using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue scale (FACIT-F), functional capacity using the Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT), and muscle strength using the 30 Second Sit to Stand Test (30s-STST) and handgrip dynamometry (HGT). Analyses of covariance (ANCOVA), responder analyses based on the Minimal Clinically Important Difference (MCID), and effect sizes (ηp²) were performed. Results: The intervention group showed significant and clinically meaningful improvements in fatigue (FACIT-F: +4.53; p < 0.001; ηp² = 0.135), global QoL (+9.22; p = 0.006), physical function, functional capacity (+24.16 m in the 6MWT; p = 0.006), and muscle strength (30s-STST: +2.71 repetitions; handgrip: +3.32 kg; p < 0.001). A total of 63.3% of participants were responders for fatigue compared with 13.3% in the control group (NNT = 2.00). Functional improvements showed moderate correlations with fatigue and global health status. Among symptoms, only insomnia demonstrated a significant reduction. Conclusions: A brief, supervised, multimodal TEP of moderate to vigorous intensity appears to be an effective, safe, and clinically relevant intervention to improve fatigue, QoL, and functional capacity in patients with cancer, with potential applicability in multidisciplinary oncologic care. Full article

Purpose: Cachexia, characterized by involuntary weight loss, muscle wasting, and metabolic dysfunction, is prevalent in advanced cancer and chronic illnesses. Despite its impact, outpatient treatment models in the U.S. remain limited and unstandardized. Here, we aim to describe the structure, implementation, patient characteristics, and real-world clinical trajectories of a multidisciplinary clinic for cancer cache as well as other forms of unintentional weight loss clinic within an academic endocrinology practice. Methods: We conducted a retrospective observational cohort study of 103 patients referred to a single-center unintentional weight loss clinic over five years. Patients received comprehensive assessments (weight trajectory, nutrition status, 5× sit-to-stand test, handgrip strength) and personalized interventions including nutrition counseling, resistance training, and pharmacologic therapies. Results: Among 103 patients (median age 69.7 years; 53% male), 64% had cancer, while 36% were referred for non-malignant causes of weight loss or cachexia. Reduced appetite or food intake was reported in 43%, and functional impairment was common, with low handgrip strength in 47% and impaired 5× sit-to-stand performance in 79% of assessed patients. Systemic abnormalities were frequent, including elevated hs-CRP (57%), elevated neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (43%), and hypoalbuminemia (26%). Among patients with available paired follow-up data, the median rate of weight change shifted from −0.5 kg/month prior to enrollment to 0.0 kg/month three months after the initial visit (p < 0.0001). Five-times sit-to-stand performance improved modestly at three months (p = 0.042), while handgrip strength was unchanged. Half of patients that engaged with the clinic returned for at least follow-up, but there was no identifiable difference between the population of patients that returned versus those that did not. Conclusions: A structured, multidisciplinary unintentional weight loss clinic in an endocrinology setting was associated with stabilization of weight and modest changes in physical function in this single-center cohort among patients who engaged in follow-up. These findings highlight the successful implementation of integrated outpatient care models and provide practice-based context for future interventions and therapeutic evaluations. Full article

Background: Nociplastic-like pain features are increasingly recognized as significant contributors to chronic pain and reduced quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, their clinical correlates and relationship with disease activity remain incompletely understood. Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of nociplastic-like pain features in patients with RA and to investigate their associations with disease activity, pain intensity, fatigue, sleep quality, and health-related quality of life. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 160 patients with RA were enrolled. Nociplastic-like pain features were assessed using the PainDETECT questionnaire. Disease activity was evaluated using the Disease Activity Score in 28 joints (DAS28). Pain intensity, fatigue, sleep quality, and health-related quality of life were assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS), Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy–Fatigue (FACIT-F), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Short Form-36 (SF-36), respectively. Continuous variables were compared using t-tests or Mann–Whitney U tests according to data distribution. Stepwise multivariate linear regression analysis was performed to identify independent factors associated with PainDETECT scores. Results: Pain patterns suggestive of nociplastic-like features were identified in 22.5% of patients. These patients had significantly higher pain intensity, greater fatigue (lower FACIT-F scores), poorer sleep quality (higher PSQI scores), and lower SF-36 scores across all domains compared with patients without these features (all p < 0.001). PainDETECT scores showed a strong positive correlation with VAS pain intensity (r = 0.679, p < 0.001) and a moderate correlation with DAS28 (r = 0.536, p < 0.001). PainDETECT scores were negatively correlated with FACIT-F (r = −0.512, p < 0.001) and several SF-36 domains. In stepwise multivariate regression analysis, pain intensity, tender joint count, and education level emerged as independent predictors of nociplastic-like pain features, whereas inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR) and DAS28 were excluded from the model. Conclusions: Nociplastic-like pain features are common in RA and are independently associated with pain intensity, joint tenderness, and psychosocial factors rather than inflammatory activity alone. Routine assessment of these features is essential for personalized pain management and underscores the importance of considering potential central sensitization mechanisms in addition to traditional anti-inflammatory therapies. Full article

Background and Objectives: Medication adherence is a key determinant of treatment effectiveness in early-stage breast cancer, particularly during long-term systemic therapies. As breast cancer is increasingly diagnosed at younger ages, a growing number of women continue to carry active parenting responsibilities during treatment. However, the associations between parenting-related psychosocial factors and medication adherence remain insufficiently explored. This study aimed to examine the associations between parenting stress, spiritual well-being, and medication adherence in women with early-stage breast cancer who maintain active parenting roles. Materials and Methods: This multicenter, cross-sectional study included 432 women with early-stage (I–III) breast cancer receiving active systemic therapy across nine oncology centers. Parenting stress was assessed using the Parenting Stress Scale (PSS), spiritual well-being using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy–Spiritual Well-Being Scale (FACIT-Sp-12), and medication adherence using the 6-item Modified Morisky Adherence Scale (MMAS-6). Spearman correlation analyses and multivariable linear regression models were used to evaluate associations between variables. Mediation analysis was performed using Hayes’ PROCESS macro (Model 4) with 5000 bootstrap samples to assess statistical mediation. Results: Parenting stress was positively associated with poorer medication adherence (ρ = 0.248, p < 0.01), whereas spiritual well-being was negatively associated with non-adherence (ρ = −0.225, p < 0.01). Parenting stress showed a strong inverse association with spiritual well-being (ρ = −0.597, p < 0.01). In multivariable regression analyses, both parenting stress and spiritual well-being were independently associated with medication adherence (β = 0.180, p = 0.002 and β = −0.199, p = 0.001, respectively). Mediation analysis demonstrated a significant indirect statistical association between parenting stress and medication adherence through spiritual well-being (indirect effect = 0.0155), consistent with partial statistical mediation. Conclusions: Medication adherence among women with early-stage breast cancer and active parenting responsibilities is associated with psychosocial context in addition to clinical factors. Parenting stress is associated with poorer adherence, whereas greater spiritual well-being is associated with better adherence within a statistical mediation framework. These findings generate hypotheses for future longitudinal and interventional studies. Full article

Neonatal pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a major cause of illness and death in newborns. Neonatologist-performed echocardiography (NPE) is increasingly used as a bedside tool to assess heart function, shunt patterns, and pulmonary blood flow in real time, helping clinicians better understand the severity and type of PH. This narrative review summarizes current evidence on the use of NPE in diagnosing, monitoring, and treating neonatal PH, drawing on clinical studies, guidelines, and expert recommendations. NPE provides key diagnostic and therapeutic information, including evaluation of ventricular function, estimation of pulmonary pressures, and assessment of shunt direction. Advanced measures—such as tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), myocardial performance index, pulmonary artery acceleration time (PAAT), and deformation imaging—improve accuracy and help guide therapies like inhaled nitric oxide, milrinone, and sildenafil. NPE is also useful in chronic conditions such as bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD)- and congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH)-associated PH. Despite its clear clinical value, NPE use remains limited by variations in training, protocols, and resource availability. Standardized curricula, accreditation, and unified reporting practices are needed to ensure safe, consistent integration of NPE into neonatal care pathways. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cytokine release during organ transplantation contributes to primary graft dysfunction and requires careful immunomodulation. CytoSorb, a hemoadsorption device developed to reduce circulating cytokine levels, is increasingly used in critically ill patients. However, its impact on concurrent immunosuppressive therapy remains unclear. Methods: In this ex vivo study, we investigated the adsorption of five immunosuppressants—cyclosporine A, tacrolimus, methylprednisolone, mycophenolic acid, and 6-mercaptopurine—using a scaled-down CytoSorb hemoadsorption circuit and compared results to chronic and acute dialysis. Additionally, a whole blood model was used to assess the functional impact of CytoSorb treatment on leukocyte activation, using LPS and anti-CD3 stimulation and subsequent cytokine measurement (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8). Results: CytoSorb significantly reduced serum levels of methylprednisolone (92 ± 3%), mycophenolate (80 ± 2%), 6-mercaptopurine (65 ± 32%), and cyclosporine A (61 ± 16%), but had no significant effect on tacrolimus. Dialysis effectively removed methylprednisolone and 6-mercaptopurine, while strongly protein-bound drugs such as cyclosporine A and tacrolimus remained largely unaffected. In the whole blood model, CytoSorb treatment did not significantly alter cytokine release after immunostimulation, suggesting preserved immunosuppressive efficacy. Conclusions: CytoSorb treatment reduces the plasma concentration of selected immunosuppressants. However, short-term treatment appears to have minimal impact on immunosuppressive function. These findings support the cautious use of CytoSorb in transplant settings but highlight the need for in vivo confirmation. Full article

Background: Fibromyalgia syndrome (FS) is one of the most common causes of chronic generalised pain and often complicates the therapeutic management of inflammatory chronic arthritis (ICA), negatively impacting both the real assessment of disease activity and the perception of response. Our study aims to evaluate in a group of patients with ICA, multi-resistant to biologic/target synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (b/ts-DMARDs), both the impact of FS on the possibility of achieving low disease activity (LDA) or remission (REM) and the possible improvement in the severity of FS symptoms, after starting b/ts-DMARDs with different a mechanism of action (MoA). Methods: A prospective study was conducted, from January 2023 to December 2024, on patients who fulfil the classification criteria for psoriatic arthritis (PsA) or fulfil the 2010 American College of Rheumatology criteria for RA. Results: Sixty-four Caucasian patients with ICA, of which 47 with FS, were enrolled in the study. At the baseline visit, FS patients had a significantly shorter ICA disease duration, worse fibromyalgia symptom-related indices (such as Fibromyalgia Severity Scale (FSS), Widespread Pain Index (WPI), and Symptom Severity Scale (SSS)) and functional and disability scores (such as health assessment questionnaire (HAQ) and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT)), and a higher basal value of Disease Activity in Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA) score compared to patients without FS. After 6 months of starting b/ts-DMARDs, no differences in severity of arthritis clinimetric indices (disease activity score (DAS) 28 (erythrocyte sedimentation (ESR)) and DAPSA) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) pain were found between the patients with FS compared to those without. At the follow-up visit, 36% of the whole group of patients were in LDA (36% ICA patients with FS vs. 35% of ICA patients without FS; p = 0.080), while 17% of patients reached REM (11% ICA with FS vs. 35% ICA without FS patients; p = 0.031). The FS presence appeared to be a factor associated with failure to reach REM (OR 4.5 (95%CI: 1.1–17.8), p = 0.028), but not for achieving LDA (OR 2.7 (95%CI: 0.8–8.9), p = 0.099). The overall retention rate at 6 months was 79%; in particular, 11 patients discontinued treatment with b/ts-DMARD, 69% of whom belonged to the FS group (p = 0.489). Among the group of patients with ICA and FS, patients in LDA/REM presented an important improvement in FSS, SSS, and VAS pain, with the best percentage variation from the baseline of these indices compared to patients who did not achieve the LDA/REM. Of note, sixteen patients with FS at the baseline no longer met the diagnostic criteria for FS after 6 months of follow-up. Conclusions: The presence of FS seems to negatively impact the achievement of REM, but not LDA, in both RA and PsA patients, even in b/ts-DMARDs patients with multi-failure of at least two different MOAs. Only a cluster of patients with FS, presumably those with FS triggered and/or amplified by the chronic joint inflammatory process, appear to improve their perception of FS severity by achieving ICA LDA/REM. However, these findings require further supporting data for more accurate validation. Full article

Background/Objectives: Lack of objective evidence exists regarding changes in physical function and impact on daily functioning in paediatric post-COVID-19 condition (PPCC). This study aimed to assess exercise capacity, fatigue, and peripheral and respiratory muscle strength in PPCC patients compared with healthy controls. Additionally, the impact of PPCC on domains of daily life was evaluated. Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed. Study variables: exercise capacity (6 min walk test, 6MWT), inspiratory muscle strength (maximal inspiratory pressure, PImax), handgrip strength (handheld dynamometer, HHD), quadriceps femoris muscle thickness (QF MT), rectus femoris muscle thickness (RF MT), rectus femoris cross-sectional area (RF CSA), rectus femoris echo-intensity (RF EI), fatigue (Paediatric Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue, pedsFACIT-F), and physical activity (Assessment of Physical Activity Levels Questionnaire, APALQ). Results: A total of 115 PPCC patients and 227 healthy controls were included. The PPCC group had lower 6MWT (509.00 ± 86.12, p < 0.001), PImax (68.71 ± 26.23, p < 0.001), HHD (82.84 ± 29.09, p < 0.001), APALQ (7.94 ± 3.14, p < 0.001), pedsFACIT-F (24.51 ± 11.01, p < 0.001), QF MT mid-thigh (33.21 ± 7.99, p = 0.011), and higher RF EI (p < 0.001) vs. controls. Only 37.63% of the PPCC group resumed previous sports, 43.48% were unable to attend school full-time and 28.7% could not participate in after-school activities. Conclusions: Paediatric post-COVID-19 condition patients exhibited significant impairments in terms of physical function, with a high impact on daily functioning. This knowledge is necessary to provide targeted therapeutic interventions. Full article

Background/Objectives: Post-discharge interventions addressing psychological, informational, and practical needs of brain tumor surgery patients are limited. This study aimed to develop and examine the effects of a post-discharge care program for patients with benign brain tumors who underwent surgery. Methods: A quasi-experimental study with a nonequivalent control group pretest–post-test non-synchronized design was employed. The post-discharge care program was developed using the ADDIE model and delivered as an 8-week, 8-session program to 65 discharged patients (Intervention: n = 33, Control: n = 32). Outcomes were measured using the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale (MSAS) for symptom clusters, Post-Discharge Coping Difficulty Scale (PDCDS) for post-discharge adaptation, and Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy (FACIT) for quality of life. Results: Significant group × time interactions were found between intervention and control groups for symptom clusters (F = 74.878, p < 0.001), post-discharge adaptation (F = 144.687, p < 0.001), and all quality of life domains: physical (F = 38.996, p < 0.001), social/family (F = 50.865, p < 0.001), emotional (F = 39.110, p < 0.001), and functional (F = 38.917, p < 0.001). The intervention group showed clinically meaningful improvements across all outcomes. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that the post-discharge care program was effective in improving symptom clusters, post-discharge adaptation, and quality of life in patients with benign brain tumors who underwent surgery. The program can contribute to achieving better health outcomes for this population in clinical practice. Full article

Background: Spirituality has emerged as a potential protective factor that may promote mental well-being and resilience among healthcare workers. Aim: This study aims to examine the relationship between spirituality, stress, and depression among healthcare professionals in Greece. Methods: This cross-sectional study surveyed 412 employees at the Corinth General Hospital in Greece, including medical, nursing, and administrative personnel. The data were collected using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy—Spiritual Well-Being 12 (FACIT-SP12), the Perceived Stress Questionnaire (PSQ), and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). The statistical analyses included non-parametric tests, correlation coefficients, and multiple regression. Results: The mean spirituality score was 34.6 (±6.83), while the stress and depression scores were 74.6 (±14.87) and 14.7 (±10.20), respectively. Spirituality was significantly and negatively correlated with both stress (r = −0.479, p < 0.001) and depression (r = −0.452, p < 0.001). Gender, years of service, educational level, and marital status were also associated with variations in stress, depression, and spirituality levels. Women and those with lower education reported significantly higher levels of stress and depression. Additionally, some demographic variables such as age and sector of employment did not show significant associations with spirituality or depression. The regression analysis confirmed spirituality as an independent predictor of lower stress levels (B = −1.158, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Spirituality is a significant predictor in mitigating stress and depression among healthcare workers. Promoting a supportive spiritual climate and incorporating elements of spiritual leadership in healthcare settings may enhance employee well-being and resilience. Future research should expand on these findings across diverse institutional and cultural contexts. Full article

Background: Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive, chronic eye disease with no permanent cure currently available. Symptoms of the disease, including distorted and blurred vision and gradual loss of central vision, significantly aggravate patients’ daily functioning. The purpose of this study was to assess the acceptance of the disease among patients diagnosed with neovascular age-related macular degeneration before treatment and after receiving seven intravitreal injections and to determine how it was related to the values of visual parameters. Methods: This survey-based study was carried out using the author’s questionnaire and a standardized research tool, the Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS). It also involved the analysis of the patients’ medical records. Results: The study included 121 patients (121 eyes), including 60 women and 61 men. The age range of the participants was 51–90 years. The mean and median age of the participants was 75 years. After undergoing a series of intravitreal injections, statistically significant improvements were observed in the degree of illness acceptance according to the AIS score. Data analysis revealed that the degree of disease acceptance was significantly related to visual acuity and contrast sensitivity. Conclusions: The acceptance of the disease among the study participants from the beginning of the therapy until receiving a series of seven intravitreal injections was at an average level. Acceptance of the disease was better before the beginning of the therapy, due to higher values of corrected visual acuity, and after the therapy, because of higher values of contrast sensitivity and corrected visual acuity. Full article

Background: Dentistry and nursing students experience significant anxiety, negatively impacting their well-being and academic performance. Objectives: This study aims to assess the prevalence and relationships of stress, anxiety, depression, resilience, hope, and spiritual well-being among dentistry and nursing students, identify demographic influences and propose strategies to enhance resilience and well-being. Methods: This study surveyed 271 students attending Greece’s departments of dentistry and nursing at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, using an electronic questionnaire aimed to assess stress, anxiety, and depression (depression, anxiety, stress scale—DASS-21); resilience (resilience assessment questionnaire—RAQ8, brief resilience scale—BRS); hope (adult hope scale—AHS); and spiritual well-being (functional assessment of chronic illness therapy–spiritual well-being scale—FACIT-Sp-12). The survey also collected demographic data to identify factors influencing these variables. Statistical analyses, including hierarchical multiple linear regression and t-tests, were performed to analyze the relationships between variables. Results: The sample included 145 dentistry and 126 nursing students, with 68.6% female and 80.1% undergraduate. Half of the students reported mild or higher levels of stress (48.7%), anxiety (51.3%), and depression (53.5%). The prevalence of depression was the highest in our sample, followed by anxiety and stress. Higher family wealth was associated with reduced stress levels, while female undergraduate students reported higher levels of anxiety than their male counterparts. Hope was a strong predictor of resilience, but stress and worry had a negative correlation. Conclusions: Promoting students’ well-being and academic success requires effective stress-reduction and resilience-building techniques to improve students’ performance and support future healthcare professionals’ personal sustainability and holistic growth. Full article

Introduction: Regular physical activity (PA) has a beneficial effect on joint pain, stiffness, strength, flexibility, and aerobic capacity in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Objective: The aim of this study was to assess the level of PA in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and to identify potential barriers to this activity. Material and Methods: The study involved 132 patients with RA. Participants completed the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy—Fatigue Scale (FACIT-F), the Tampa Scale for kinesiophobia (TSK), Strength, Ambulation, Rising from a chair, Stair climbing and history of Falling questionnaire (SARC-F) for sarcopenia assessment, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) for depression. Basic socio-epidemiological data, disease activity score in 28 joints (DAS₂₈), duration of disease, and therapy information were retrieved from electronic patient records. Latent class analysis (LCA) was used to identify subpopulations of patients. Results: The study included 109 women (82.6%) and 23 men (17.4%). Low levels of PA were observed in 16 patients (12%), moderate levels in 70 patients (53%), and high levels in 42 patients (35%). Symptoms of pronounced fatigue were significantly associated with low PA (28.5 ± 11.3 vs. 37 ± 7 vs. 37 ± 10; p = 0.002). The risk of sarcopenia was significantly higher in RA patients with low PA (p = 0.05). Kinesiophobia was present in all three groups (65.2%). LCA identified two classes. In the first class, patients were more likely to be non-exercisers compared to the second class. Patients in the first class were characterized by a higher probability of being female, obese, with lower education levels. Patients in the first class had pronounced fatigue, kinesiophobia and more frequent symptoms of depression. The second class (65% of the total population) included patients who exercised moderately to frequently (93%) and were middle-aged. They were less obese, highly educated, employed, and majority of them achieved low disease activity or remission. In addition, they had lower risks for sarcopenia, depression, fatigue, and kinesiophobia. Conclusions: This study showed that RA patients with moderate and high levels of PA have better disease control, fewer symptoms of fatigue and depression, and a lower risk of sarcopenia. However, kinesiophobia was significantly present in all three groups, indicating a need for further promotion of this non-pharmacological treatment. Full article