ABSTRACT 

The study investigated the perception of University of Calabar workers on the role of recreational exercise in the care of rheumatism. Four research questions were developed to help the researcher to conduct the research work and four null hypotheses were also developed to ensure that the researcher covered properly the scope of study. The study reviewed related literatures which thoroughly touched all the different aspect of rheumatism ranging from the definition of rheumatism, different diagnosis, recreational exercise and rheumatism and also different exercise for individuals with rheumatism. A descriptive research design of survey method was used for the study, the population used for the study comprised of all the university of Ilorin workers which is made up of both the academic and non- academic staff. In order to avoid interference and bias, a systemic random sampling technique was employed and a sample of 200 respondents was used. A well structured questionnaire of lickert format was used to help gather information needed for the research study. It was well validated and tested for reliability using Pearson product moment correlation coefficient formula in which a correlation coefficient ‘r’ or 0.86 was obtained. The questionnaire was personally distributed and collected. A descriptive statistics and inferential statistics were used for the study.

The result of the study reveals the following:- Recreational exercise is the best method that can be used to care for rheumatism since it enhances inflammation of joint, reduced muscular strength and pain; Recreational exercise helps to reduce decreasing social participation and other psychological disorders optimally; Rheumatism generally affects  females most.