Interventions to increase adherence to therapeutic exercise in older adults with low back pain and/or hip/knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Using Pain Medication Intensity to Stratify Back Pain Among Older Adults

Objective

To examine the prevalence of musculoskeletal back pain among older adults stratified by pain medication intensity to 1) review treatment patterns and 2) consider targeted back pain prevention interventions.

Methods

A random sample of older adults age 64 years and older was utilized to identify new and recurring back pain. Prescription pain medications from drug claims were used to stratify to five unique intensity levels. The characteristics of each level were determined using regression models.

Results

About 10% had musculoskeletal back pain. Of these, 54% (N = 20,645) had new back pain and 46% (N = 17,252) had recurring back pain. Overall, about 35% received physical therapy. Pain medication intensity levels included no prescription pain medications, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), muscle relaxants, low-dose opioids, and high-dose opioids (new back pain: 39%, 10%, 6%, 23%, and 23%, respectively; recurring back pain 32%, 9%, 4%, 17%, and 38%, respectively). NSAID and muscle relaxant users were younger, healthier, and received physical therapy. Opioid users were younger, in poorer health, used sleep medications, received physical therapy, and had more falls and higher health care utilization and expenditures.

Conclusions

New and recurring back pain patients can be stratified by pain medication intensity to review treatment patterns and target back pain prevention programs. Those with back pain but taking no prescription pain medications may benefit from back pain prevention programs. More research on guidelines for treatment options for those on high levels of pain medications is warranted.

Exercise and Chronic Pain

In this chapter, we describe the impact and etiology of chronic pain, the associated changes in the nervous system, and the mechanisms by which exercise may be able to affect and reverse these changes. Evidence for efficacy of exercise in different conditions associated with chronic pain is presented, with focus on chronic low back pain, fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and migraines. While the efficacy of exercise and level of evidence supporting it vary in different diseases, exercise has direct and indirect benefits for most patients suffering from chronic pain. Effective exercise regimens include education and cognitive restructuring to promote behavioral activation and reconceptualization of what pain means, with the goal of gradually reversing the vicious cycle of pain, inertia, sedentary behavior, and worsening disability. Long-term, consistent, individualized exercise-based treatment approaches are most likely to result in improvements in pain and function.

A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial for Aerobic and Strengthening Exercises on Physical Function and Pain for Hip Osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND

Hip osteoarthritis (OA) limits lower extremity physical function. Exercise therapy may improve physical function and reduce pain in patients with hip OA.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the feasibility of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) to measure the effect of a structured hip-specific resistance and aerobic exercise program on physical function and self-reported pain in adults with hip OA.

DESIGN

Pilot RCT.

SETTING

Academic medical center.

PARTICIPANTS

Thirty one adults with radiographic hip OA.

INTERVENTIONS

Participants were randomly allocated in a 2:1 ratio to a 3-month structured exercise intervention (n = 21) or a 3-month waitlist control (n = 10).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The 6-minute walk test was the primary outcome measure. Self-reported physical function was assessed with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) physical function subscale and pain visual analog scale (VAS). Measures of feasibility were assessed as secondary outcomes.

RESULTS

From baseline to 3 months, the median change from baseline in distance covered during the 6-minute walk test in the intervention group (49 m) was double that of the control group (22 m), but the difference was not statistically significant (P = .13). Likewise, the WOMAC physical function subscale score median changes in the intervention group (5 points) were double that of the controls (2 points), although the difference was not statistically significant (P = .06). Median change in pain scores was slightly reduced in each group but not significantly different between groups (P = .53).

CONCLUSION

Although no statistically significant between-group differences were found in this pilot RCT, improvements were seen in measures of physical function compared to controls. A larger RCT of this structured exercise program may be warranted.

A personalized behavioral intervention implementing mHealth technologies for older adults: A pilot feasibility study

Sedentary behavior has been associated with adverse health outcomes such as disturbed sleep in older adults. We conducted a single-group pretest and posttest study to evaluate the feasibility of a personalized behavioral intervention program using mobile health technology in improving physical activity and sleep in older adults. The four-week intervention included: personalized physical activity training, real-time physical activity self-monitoring, interactive prompts and feedback with a smartwatch, phone consultation with an exercise trainer and research team members, and weekly financial incentives for achieving weekly physical activity goals. Eight cognitively intact older adults were recruited and completed the study. Findings suggested that the intervention was feasible in this sample of older adults and provided favorable changes in levels of physical activity during the intervention and at post-intervention. Future studies will include a fully powered trial to evaluate the efficacy of this intervention in sedentary older adults.

Podiatry Intervention Versus Usual General Practitioner Care for Symptomatic Radiographic Osteoarthritis of the First Metatarsophalangeal Joint: A Randomized Clinical Feasibility Study

OBJECTIVE

To determine the feasibility of a clinical trial comparing a podiatry intervention to usual general practitioner (GP) care for people with first metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint osteoarthritis (OA).

METHODS

A 2-arm, participant- and assessor-blinded, randomized feasibility study was conducted over 12 weeks. Participants were age >40 years and had pain and radiographic OA in the first MTP joint. Participants in the podiatry group had 3 visits and received foot orthoses, exercise, manual therapy, and advice. Participants in the GP group had 1 visit and received medication advice/prescription and the same advice as the podiatry group. Primary outcomes were measures of feasibility (recruitment, attendance, and retention rates; percentage of prescribed exercise sessions completed; orthoses wear hours/day; treatment fidelity). Secondary outcomes included self-reported pain, function, satisfaction, adherence, adverse events, and dropouts.

RESULTS

A total of 236 people were screened, and 30 (13%) were included. All except 1 participant in the podiatry group attended the required clinical visits, and retention rates were 93% (podiatry group) and 80% (GP group). Participants completed 66% of the exercise sessions and wore orthoses for an average of 6.3 hours/day. Adherence to medication use was 5.3 on an 11-point numeric rating scale. Both treatment approaches improved pain and function by clinically important differences at 12 weeks.

CONCLUSION

A clinical trial comparing a podiatry intervention to usual GP care for people with first MTP joint OA is feasible. Given the improvements in pain and function observed, a larger appropriately powered clinical trial is warranted to evaluate the superiority of one treatment approach over the other.

Best Evidence Rehabilitation for Chronic Pain Part 5: Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of chronic pain and disability in older adults, which most commonly affects the joints of the knee, hip, and hand. To date, there are no established disease modifying interventions that can halt or reverse OA progression. Therefore, treatment is focused on alleviating pain and maintaining or improving physical and psychological function. Rehabilitation is widely recommended as first-line treatment for OA as, in many cases, it is safer and more effective than the best-established pharmacological interventions. In this article, we describe the presentation of OA pain and give an overview of its peripheral and central mechanisms. We then provide a state-of-the-art review of rehabilitation for OA pain—including self-management programs, exercise, weight loss, cognitive behavioral therapy, adjunct therapies, and the use of aids and devices. Next, we explore several promising directions for clinical practice, including novel education strategies to target unhelpful illness and treatment beliefs, methods to enhance the efficacy of exercise interventions, and innovative, brain-directed treatments. Finally, we discuss potential future research in areas, such as treatment adherence and personalized rehabilitation for OA pain.

Effect of a short message service (SMS) intervention on adherence to a physiotherapist-prescribed home exercise program for people with knee osteoarthritis and obesity: protocol for the ADHERE randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a highly prevalent condition. People with knee OA often have other co-morbidities such as obesity. Exercise is advocated in all clinical guidelines for the management of knee OA. It is often undertaken as a home-based program, initially prescribed by a physiotherapist or other qualified health care provider. However, adherence to home-based exercise is often poor, limiting its ability to meaningfully change clinical symptoms of pain and/or physical function. While the efficacy of short message services (SMS) to promote adherence to a range of health behaviours has been demonstrated, its ability to promote home exercise adherence in people with knee OA has not been specifically evaluated. Hence, this trial is investigating whether the addition of an SMS intervention to support adherence to prescribed home-based exercise is more effective than no SMS on self-reported measures of exercise adherence.

METHODS

We are conducting a two-arm parallel-design, assessor-and participant-blinded randomised controlled trial (ADHERE) in people with knee OA and obesity. The trial is enrolling participants exiting from another randomised controlled trial, the TARGET trial, where participants are prescribed a 12-week home-based exercise program (either weight bearing functional exercise or non-weight bearing quadriceps strengthening exercise) for their knee by a physiotherapist and seen five times over the 12 weeks for monitoring and supervision. Following completion of outcome measures for the TARGET trial, participants are immediately enrolled into the ADHERE trial. Participants are asked to continue their prescribed home exercise program unsupervised three times a week for 24-weeks and are randomly allocated to receive a behaviour change theory-informed SMS intervention to support home exercise adherence or to have no SMS intervention. Outcomes are measured at baseline and 24-weeks. Primary outcomes are self-reported adherence measures. Secondary outcomes include self-reported measures of knee pain, physical function, quality-of-life, physical activity, self-efficacy, kinesiophobia, pain catastrophising, participant-perceived global change and an additional adherence measure.

DISCUSSION

Findings will provide new information into the potential of SMS to improve longer-term exercise adherence and ultimately enhance exercise outcomes in knee OA.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Prospectively registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry. Reference: ACTR N12617001243303 Date/version: August 2019/two.

Do Health-Related Quality of Life and Pain-Coping Strategies Explain the Relationship between Older Women Participants in a Pilates-Aerobic Program and Bodily Pain? A Multiple Mediation Model

This study (1) analyzes the differences between non-participating and participating older women in terms of clinical characteristics, pain coping strategies, health-related quality of life and physical activity (PA); (2) studies the associations between non-participants and participants, clinical characteristics, pain coping strategies, HRQoL and bodily pain and PA; and (3) determines whether catastrophizing, physical role, behavioural coping, social functioning and emotional role are significant mediators in the link between participating in a Pilates-aerobic program (or not) and bodily pain. The sample comprised 340 older women over 60 years old. Participants of the present cross-sectional study completed measures of clinical characteristics: HRQoL using the SF-36 Health Survey, pain-coping strategies using the Vanderbilt Pain Management Inventory (VPMI) and PA using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Significant differences between non-participants and participants, were found in clinical characteristics, pain-coping strategies (both, p < 0.05), HRQoL (p < 0.01), and PA (p < 0.001). Moreover, catastrophizing support mediated the link between non-participants and participants and bodily pain by 95.9% of the total effect; 42.9% was mediated by PA and 39.6% was mediated by behavioural coping. These results contribute to a better understanding of the link between PA and bodily pain.

[Fear avoidance beliefs, pain-related self-efficacy, and subjective work ability among back pain patients : A pilot study with voluntary subjects]

BACKGROUND

Work-related fear avoidance beliefs play an important role when considering subjective work ability among people with back pain. Pain-related self-efficacy is known as a predictor for physical activity and subjective work ability.

OBJECTIVES

The present longitudinal study aims to investigate the relationships between work-related fear avoidance beliefs, pain-related self-efficacy, and subjective work ability among back pain patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 93 people with back pain (M = 35.58 years, SD = 13.45; range: 18-69) were assessed at baseline and 4 weeks later. Of the participants, 54.83% (n = 51) were female. Data analysis was performed with SPSS 25 using descriptive statistics and multiple regression methods.

RESULTS

Work-related fear avoidance beliefs were negatively related with subjective work ability at baseline. Pain-related self-efficacy moderated this relationship. The relationship was stronger at low and medium levels of pain-related self-efficacy. The moderation effect was not found when considering subjective work ability after 4 weeks.

CONCLUSION

Work-related fear avoidance beliefs among back pain patients seem to be important for subjective work ability in the short term. This especially holds true when patients have low self-efficacy beliefs. The investigated constructs should be emphasized in the patient-centered therapy. Longitudinal studies with larger samples and more frequent follow-ups should be investigated in future studies.

Current concepts in joint pain in knee osteoarthritis

Joint pain attributable to osteoarthritis (OA) is complex and influenced by a myriad of factors beyond local joint pathology. Current practice continues to predominantly adopt a biomedical approach to OA despite emerging evidence of the importance of a more holistic approach. This paper will summarise evidence for the presence of multidimensional pain profiles in knee joint pain and the presence of subgroups characterized by systemic features such as psychological distress, high comorbidity load or sensitisation of the nervous system. These factors have the potential to influence patient outcomes making them relevant for clinicians and highlighting the necessity of a broader multifactorial approach to assessment and treatment. This review describes the current state of the evidence for treatments of people with knee OA-related pain, including those receiving strong recommendations from current clinical guidelines, namely exercise, weight loss, self-management advice and pharmacological approaches. Other pain-modulating treatment options are emerging such as sleep and psychological interventions, pain education and multisensory retraining. The evidence and rationale for these newer therapeutic approaches is discussed. Finally, this review will highlight some of the limitations of current international guidelines for the management of OA and make recommendations for future research.

Identifying and Prioritizing Clinical Guideline Recommendations Most Relevant to Physical Therapy Practice for Hip and/or Knee Osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND

Physical therapists are key providers of conservative management for hip and/or knee osteoarthritis (OA), yet not all guideline recommendations are tailored to their scope of practice.

OBJECTIVE

To identify and prioritize the most important recommendations relevant to physical therapy practice for hip and/or knee OA.

METHODS

International physical therapists (n = 132) were invited to participate in an online modified Delphi survey, followed by a priority-ranking exercise. A total of 63 recommendations were extracted from 2 recent high-quality clinical guidelines. In 3 Delphi rounds, the panel identified those recommendations they considered to be most relevant to physical therapy practice for hip and knee OA. Any new recommendations were ascertained. For a recommendation to be included, at least 70% of respondents had to rate the recommendation as 7 or above on a numeric rating scale (0 is not important and 10 is extremely important). The panel prioritized recommendations that remained after the final round using decision-making software.

RESULTS

Of 132 therapists from 14 countries, 62 completed round 1, 52 completed round 2, 45 completed round 3, and 35 completed the priority-ranking exercise. From an initial list of 70 potential recommendations (including 7 new recommendations), 30 were included in the priority-ranking exercise. The top recommendations were related to providing education and prescribing exercise and weight loss as core treatments, followed by individualized OA assessment and treatment and communication strategies.

CONCLUSION

This study identified and ranked the most important recommendations relevant to physical therapy practice for hip and/or knee OA. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2019;49(7):501-512. doi:10.2519/jospt.2019.8676.

The Relationship Between Pain and Physical Function: Mediating Role of Sleep Quality, Depression, and Fatigue

The current study investigated whether osteoarthritis pain was associated with physical function and aimed to identify possible multistep indirect pathways of the association between pain and physical function through sleep quality, depression, and fatigue. Using the survey method, data were collected from 222 adults age ≥65 years diagnosed with osteoarthritis at a senior welfare center in Daejeon, Korea. Data were statistically analyzed using serial multiple mediation analysis. Study findings showed that the relationship between pain and limitation of physical function was partially mediated by sleep quality, depression, and fatigue. The experience of pain among older adults with osteoarthritis directly and most strongly led to limitations in physical functioning, and pain-induced sleep disorders, depression, and fatigue may sequentially negatively affect physical functioning. Thus, pain is a possible fundamental cause of poor, or deterioration in, physical functioning in older adults with osteoarthritis. Therefore, pain assessment and pain management should be prioritized when caring for older adults with osteoarthritis. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 45(7), 46-54.].

Predictors of pain interference and potential gain from intervention in community dwelling adults with joint pain: A prospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION

There is little research on identifying modifiable risk factors that predict future interference of pain with daily activity in people with joint pain, and the estimation of the corresponding population attributable risk (PAR). The present study therefore investigated modifiable predictors of pain interference and estimated maximum potential gain from intervention in adults with joint pain.

METHODS

A population-based cohort aged ≥50 years was recruited from eight general practices in North Staffordshire, UK. Participants (n = 1878) had joint pain at baseline lasting ≥3 months and indicated no pain interference. Adjusted associations of self-reported, potentially modifiable prognostic factors (body mass index, anxiety/depressive symptoms, widespread pain, inadequate joint pain control, physical inactivity, sleep problems, smoking and alcohol intake) with onset of pain interference 3 years later were estimated via Poisson regression, and corresponding PAR estimates were obtained.

RESULTS

Inadequate joint-specific pain control, insomnia and infrequent walking were found to be independently significantly associated with the onset of pain interference after 3 years, with associated PARs of 6.3% (95% confidence interval -0.3, 12.4), 7.6% (-0.4, 15.0) and 8.0% (0.1, 15.2), respectively, with only the PAR for infrequent walking deemed statistically significant. The PAR associated with insomnia, infrequent walking and inadequate control of joint pain simultaneously was 20.3% (8.6, 30.4).

CONCLUSIONS

There is potential to reduce moderately the onset of pain interference from joint pain in the over-50s if clinical and public health interventions targeted pain management and insomnia, and promoted an active lifestyle. However, most of the onset of significant pain interference in the over-50s, would not be prevented, even assuming that these factors could be eliminated.

Evidence of stabilizing exercises for low back- and pelvic girdle pain - a critical review

BACKGROUND

Pregnancy-related low back pain (LBP) and pelvic girdle pain (PGP) have been associated with an alteration in the strategy for lumbopelvic stabilization. Different core stabilization approaches exist, the evidence is however controversial.

METHODS

This paper discusses how to improve the evidence of exercises for women suffering from LBP and PGP during and after pregnancy. Exercises should be understood in a context, where the bio-psycho-social perspective directs the prescription of exercises, targeting both psychological and physical factors. The type of exercise probably should be individually tailored to the needs and capability of the individual and it is not only about the most appropriate exercise, it is about dosage and delivery of the exercises, and it is about performance. To promote adherence the use of patient preferences, with self-defined movement goals, may be a motivational basis for behavior change. Communication skills may facilitate positive beliefs and provide a motivational foundation for empowerment, self-efficacy and for self-management. To learn by discovery where the patient learns through their own experiences, might motivate the patients to active engagement and to behavioral change. Adherence probably will increase when the patients understand the aim and the rationale behind the exercises they are prescribed. However, with high adherence to exercises that maintains an inappropriate motor pattern, LBP and PGP possibly could proceed into chronicity.

CONCLUSION

Exercises need to be meaningful to the patient, relevant for daily activities, individualized according to patient preferences, guided and supervised to secure performance and quality.

Effects of blood flow restriction exercise with very low load and low volume in patients with knee osteoarthritis: protocol for a randomized trial

Background

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by chronic pain, physical dysfunction, and reduced quality of life. Low-load resistance exercises with blood flow restriction (BFR) have presented results similar to those of high-intensity resistance exercise (HIRE) without BFR provided that the exercise volume in both is paired. However, it is unclear whether BFR exercise with reduced load and volume generates clinical improvements similar to those of HIRE. The aim of the proposed study is to evaluate the effects of BFR resistance exercise with very low load and low volume against HIRE in patients with knee OA for the outcomes of knee pain, muscle performance, physical function, disease severity, quality of life, perceived exertion during the exercises, adherence, and patient satisfaction with treatment.

Methods

This two-arm, prospectively registered, randomized controlled trial with blinded assessors and volunteers will involve 40 patients with knee OA. Two weekly treatment sessions will be provided for 12 weeks. Patients will perform very low-load (10% of 1-RM) and low-volume BFR exercise or HIRE (60% of 1-RM) for strengthening thigh muscles. The primary outcome will be the knee pain measured after 12 weeks of treatment. The secondary outcomes include knee pain 6 months after randomization, physical function, disease severity, quality of life, muscle performance, knee pain and perceived exertion during exercise, adherence, and patient satisfaction with treatment.

Discussion

If the improvements in the outcomes are similar in the two groups, BFR exercise with reduced load and volume may be an interesting alternative in the treatment of knee OA, especially when exercises with high loads generate joint pain.

Trial registration

Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos (REBEC), RBR-6pcrfm. Registered on July 10, 2018.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13063-019-3238-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Behaviour change techniques applied in interventions to enhance physical activity adherence in patients with chronic musculoskeletal conditions: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To identify Behaviour Change Techniques (BCTs) applied in interventions to enhance physical activity (PA) adherence in patients with chronic musculoskeletal conditions and to investigate the effectiveness of these interventions in increasing PA adherence.

METHODS

A systematic search of seven databases was conducted. We included (cluster/quasi-) randomised controlled trials comparing behaviour change interventions to no/placebo/minimal interventions or usual care and involving at least a three-month post-intervention follow-up. Methodological quality was assessed, study characteristics and BCTs were narratively summarised and a meta-analysis was conducted.

RESULTS

Across 22 included studies, we coded 8-18 BCTs (mean = 11.2) in intervention and 0-12 (mean = 3.5) in control groups. Common BCTs were "graded tasks", "goal setting", "self-monitoring", "problem solving" and "feedback". Meta-analyses of 17 studies revealed a small medium-term effect (3-6 months post-intervention, standardised mean difference (SMD) = 0.20, 95% CI 0.08-0.33) and no long-term effect (7-12 months post-intervention, SMD = 0.13, 95% CI -0.02 to 0.28). Subgroup analysis yielded a higher effect (SMD = 0.29, 95% CI 0.19-0.40) for interventions using a greater number of BCTs.

CONCLUSION

There is moderate quality evidence that interventions using BCTs are effective to enhance medium-term physical activity adherence.

PRACTICE IMPLICATION

While superiority of single BCTs was not shown, it is likely that using more BCTs results in better adherence.

Video-Game-Based Exercises for Older People With Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlledtable Trial (GAMEBACK)

Background

Video game technology increases adherence to home exercise and could support self-management for older people with chronic low back pain (LBP).

Objective

The objective was to investigate the effects of home-based video game exercises on pain self-efficacy and care-seeking in older people with chronic LBP.

Design

The study was a randomized controlled trial.

Setting

The setting was a community and waiting list.

Participants

Sixty participants, aged > 55 years with chronic LBP, were randomized (1:1) to Wii Fit U exercises or to continue their usual activities for 8 weeks.

Intervention

The intervention was home-based Wii Fit U flexibility, strengthening, and aerobic exercises for 60 minutes, 3 times per week, with fortnightly calls from a physical therapist.

Measurements

Measurements included pain self-efficacy and care-seeking (primary outcomes), and physical activity, pain, function, disability, fear of movement/reinjury, falls efficacy, recruitment and response rates, adherence, experience with the intervention, and adverse events (secondary outcomes).

Results

The mean age of participants was 67.8 (standard deviation = 6.0) years. Adherence to the total recommended exercise time was 70.8%, and no adverse events were reported. Participants completing Wii Fit U exercises had significantly higher pain self-efficacy at 6 months, but not immediately postintervention or at 3 months; there were no between-group differences in care-seeking. Compared with the control group, participants completing Wii Fit U exercises demonstrated significantly greater improvements in pain and function at 8 weeks and were more likely to engage in flexibility exercises at 6 months. There were no significant between-group differences for the remaining outcomes.

Limitations

Participants and therapists were not blinded.

Conclusions

Wii Fit U exercises improved pain self-efficacy at 6 months, and pain and function immediately postintervention in older people with chronic LBP, but the clinical importance of these changes is questionable. Wii Fit U exercises had no effect on care-seeking, physical activity, disability, fear of movement/reinjury, or falls efficacy.

Self-reported Home Exercise Adherence: A Validity and Reliability Study Using Concealed Accelerometers

BACKGROUND

Accurate measurement of adherence to prescribed exercise programs is essential. Diaries and self-report rating scales are commonly used, yet little evidence exists to demonstrate their validity and reliability.

OBJECTIVES

To examine the concurrent validity of adherence to home strengthening exercises measured by (1) exercise diaries and (2) a self-report rating scale, compared to adherence measured using an accelerometer concealed in an ankle cuff weight. Test-retest reliability of the self-report rating scale was also assessed.

METHODS

In this clinical measurement study, 54 adults aged 45 years or older with self-reported chronic knee pain were prescribed a home quadriceps-strengthening program. Over 12 weeks, participants completed paper exercise diaries and, at appointments every 2 weeks, rated their adherence on an 11-point numeric rating scale. A triaxial accelerometer was concealed in the ankle cuff weight used for exercises. Self-reported adherence rating scale data over each 2-week period were analyzed using descriptive statistics, the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and a Bland-Altman plot to assess agreement, Spearman correlations for validity, and intraclass correlation coefficients for test-retest reliability.

RESULTS

Exercise adherence was significantly overestimated in diaries during the 12 weeks (diary median, 220 exercises; accelerometer, 176; P<.001) and was moderately correlated with accelerometer data (r = 0.52; 95% confidence interval: 0.26, 0.69). A Bland-Altman plot indicated large between-participant variability in agreement between these measures. Self-reported adherence showed poor to fair correlations with accelerometer data (mean r = 0.23-0.39), and less than acceptable reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.79; lower 1-sided 95% confidence limit, 0.68).

CONCLUSION

Exercise diaries showed questionable validity and variable levels of agreement compared with accelerometer-measured exercise completion. A self-reported adherence rating scale had limited validity and less than acceptable test-retest reliability. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2018;48(12):943-950. Epub 27 Jul 2018. doi:10.2519/jospt.2018.8275.

Exercise rehabilitation programmes for pulmonary hypertension: a systematic review of intervention components and reporting quality

Objectives

To identify the components, and assess the reporting quality, of exercise training interventions for people living with pulmonary hypertension.

Design

Systematic review with analysis of intervention reporting quality using the Consensus on Exercise Reporting Template (CERT).

Data sources

Eligible studies in the Cochrane Systematic Review of exercise-based rehabilitation for pulmonary hypertension, updated with a new search of relevant databases from 1 August 2016 to 15 January 2018.

Eligibility criteria

Peer-reviewed journal articles of randomised and non-randomised controlled trials, and non-controlled prospective observational studies, investigating dynamic exercise training interventions in adult humans with diagnosed pulmonary hypertension, reporting on at least one physiological and/or psychosocial outcome.

Results

Interventions typically involved cycle ergometry and walking. They were delivered as 3-week inpatient, or outpatient and/or home-based programmes, lasting for 4–15 weeks. Components relating specifically to exercise prescription were described satisfactorily and in more detail than motivational/behavioural change strategies, adherence and fidelity. Mean CERT score was 13.1 (range 8–17) out of a possible maximum score of 19. No studies fully reported every aspect of an exercise intervention to the standard recommended by CERT.

Summary/conclusion

Considerable variability was evident in the components and reporting quality of interventions for exercise rehabilitation studies in pulmonary hypertension. Interventional studies using exercise training should pay greater attention to describing motivational/behavioural change strategies, adherence and fidelity. Detailed description of these parameters is essential for the safe and effective replication of exercise rehabilitation interventions for pulmonary hypertension in clinical practice.

Trial registration number

CRD42018085558.

Effects of long-term exercise therapy on knee joint structure in people with knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate effects of long-term exercise therapy for people with knee osteoarthritis (OA) on radiographic disease severity and cartilage integrity (primary outcomes) as well as severity of bone marrow lesions (BMLs), synovitis and/or effusion (secondary outcomes).

METHODS

We sourced randomized controlled trials in people with clinical and/or radiographic OA investigating the effect of land-based exercise therapy of > 6 months on radiographic disease severity and magnetic resonance imaging outcomes of cartilage integrity (morphology or composition) as well as BML, synovitis and/or effusion severity, when compared to no exercise. Two independent reviewers extracted data and assessed risk of bias. Random-effects meta-analysis was used to pool standardised mean differences (SMD) (95% confidence intervals (CI)) or odds ratios (OR) (95% CI) and estimate heterogeneity (I², %). Quality of the pooled body of evidence was rated implementing the GRADE approach. Studies unsuitable for meta-analysis were summarized in a best-evidence synthesis.

RESULTS

Meta-analysis showed moderate quality evidence of no treatment effect on tibiofemoral radiographic disease severity ((SMD) 95% (CI): 0.06 (-0.07, 0.20), I²= 0%) and low-quality evidence of no effect on tibiofemoral cartilage morphology (SMD (95%): 0.06 (-0.20, 0.36), I²= 0%). Low quality evidence revealed no treatment effect on the odds of change in synovitis ((OR) (95% CI): 0.90 (0.51,1.60), I²= 0%) and effusion ((OR (95% CI): 0.88 (0.64, 1.20), I²= 0%), but greater odds of tibiofemoral BMLs worsening (OR (95% CI): 1.90 (1.11, 3.26), I²= 0%). In best-evidence synthesis, limited evidence was found for changes in patellar cartilage composition following exercise in women with mild knee OA compared to no exercise, but not for tibiofemoral cartilage.

CONCLUSION

Long-term exercise therapy did not change tibiofemoral radiographic disease severity, cartilage morphology or synovitis/effusion, but may slightly increase the likelihood for increased BML severity. Overall, meta-analysis findings were limited in directness and precision and restricted to relatively imprecise effect estimates in people who were obese on average. Limited evidence suggested some protective effects on patellar cartilage composition.

Lower extremity osteoarthritis: optimising musculoskeletal health is a growing global concern: a narrative review

The burden of non-communicable diseases, such as osteoarthritis (OA), continues to increase for individuals and society. Regrettably, in many instances, healthcare professionals fail to manage OA optimally. There is growing disparity between the strength of evidence supporting interventions for OA and the frequency of their use in practice. Physical activity and exercise, weight management and education are key management components supported by evidence yet lack appropriate implementation. Furthermore, a recognition that treatment earlier in the disease process may halt progression or reverse structural changes has not been translated into clinical practice. We have largely failed to put pathways and procedures in place that promote a proactive approach to facilitate better outcomes in OA. This paper aims to highlight areas of evidence-based practical management that could improve patient outcomes if used more effectively.

Extracorporeal shockwave therapy for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis: A retrospective study

This retrospective study investigated the effect and safety of extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) for treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA).In this retrospective study, 105 patients with KOA were included. Of those, 60 patients underwent ESWT, whereas 45 patients received laser therapy. Effect was measured by the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC). In addition, adverse events (AEs) were also recorded in this study. All outcome measurements were evaluated at the end of weeks 1, 6, and 12.Compared with the laser therapy, ESWT showed greater effect in KOA symptoms relief with regard to NRS, WOMAC total, and its subscores at week 6 (P < .05) and week 12 (P < .01) after treatment. No AE, however, occurred in both groups.The results of this retrospective study found that ESWT may be efficacious and safe for the treatment of patients with KOA. It, however, had an intrinsic limitation as a retrospective study. Prospective study with larger sample size is still needed to warrant the result of this study in the future.

Physical Activity and Exercise Therapy Benefit More Than Just Symptoms and Impairments in People With Hip and Knee Osteoarthritis

Synopsis Osteoarthritis (OA) of the hip and knee is among the leading causes of global disability, highlighting the need for early, targeted, and effective treatment. The benefits of exercise therapy in people with hip and knee OA are substantial and supported by high-quality evidence, underlining that it should be part of first-line treatment in clinical practice. Furthermore, unlike other treatments for OA, such as analgesia and surgery, exercise therapy is not associated with risk of serious harm. Helping people with OA become more physically active, along with structured exercise therapy targeting symptoms and impairments, is crucial, considering that the majority of people with hip and knee OA do not meet physical activity recommendations. Osteoarthritis is associated with a range of chronic comorbidities, including type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and dementia, all of which are associated with chronic low-grade inflammation. Physical activity and exercise therapy not only improve symptoms and impairments of OA, but are also effective in preventing at least 35 chronic conditions and treating at least 26 chronic conditions, with one of the potential working mechanisms being exercise-induced anti-inflammatory effects. Patient education may be crucial to ensure long-term adherence and sustained positive effects on symptoms, impairments, physical activity levels, and comorbidities. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2018;48(6):439-447. Epub 18 Apr 2018. doi:10.2519/jospt.2018.7877.

Trajectories of adherence to home-based exercise programs among people with knee osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the presence of different trajectories of self-reported adherence to home exercise programs among people with knee osteoarthritis (OA), and to compare baseline characteristics across identified groups.

DESIGN

Pooled analysis of data from three randomised controlled trials involving exercise interventions for people aged ≥50 years with clinical knee OA (n = 341). Exercise adherence was self-reported on an 11-point numerical rating scale (NRS; 0 = not at all-10 = completely as instructed). Latent class growth analysis was used to identify distinct trajectories of adherence, at intervals from 12 to 78 weeks from baseline. Baseline characteristics of these groups were compared using chi-squared tests, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Kruskal Wallis tests where appropriate.

RESULTS

Three distinct adherence trajectories were identified: a "Rapidly declining adherence" group (n = 157, 47.4%) whose adherence was 7.7 ± 1.6 (/10) at 12 weeks, declined to 4.2 ± 2.2 by 22 weeks and remained low thereafter; a "Gradually declining adherence" group (n = 153, 45.1%) whose adherence declined from 8.5 ± 1.5 to 7.8 ± 1.5 over the same period, and continued to decline slowly, and a "Low adherence" group (n = 21, 6.3%) whose adherence was 2.2 ± 1.4 at 12 weeks and remained low. At baseline the "Rapidly declining adherence" group reported significantly lower Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain (mean difference (95% Confidence Interval (CI)) -0.8 (-1.4, -0.2)) and better WOMAC function compared to the "Gradually declining adherence" group (-3.1 (-5.2, -1.1)).

CONCLUSION

Three trajectories of self-reported adherence to home exercises were found among people with knee OA. Findings highlight the need for close monitoring of adherence from initiation of a home exercise program in order to identify and intervene when low or rapidly declining adherence is identified.

Improving Adherence to Exercise: Do People With Knee Osteoarthritis and Physical Therapists Agree on the Behavioral Approaches Likely to Succeed?

OBJECTIVE

To describe which behavior change techniques (BCTs) to promote adherence to exercise have been experienced by people with knee osteoarthritis (OA) or used by physical therapists, and to describe patient- and physical therapist-perceived effectiveness of a range of BCTs derived from behavioral theory.

METHODS

Two versions of a custom-designed survey were administered in Australia and New Zealand, one completed by adults with symptomatic knee OA and the second by physical therapists who had treated people with knee OA in the past 6 months. Survey questions ascertained the frequency of receiving/prescribing exercise for knee OA, BCTs received/used targeting adherence to exercise, and perceived effectiveness of 36 BCTs to improve adherence to prescribed exercise.

RESULTS

A total of 230 people with knee OA and 143 physical therapists completed the survey. Education about the benefits of exercise was the most commonly received/used technique by both groups. People with knee OA rated the perceived effectiveness of all BCTs significantly lower than the physical therapists (mean difference 1.9 [95% confidence interval 1.8-2.0]). When ranked by group mean agreement score, 2 BCTs were among the top 5 for both groups: development of specific goals related to knee pain and function; and review, supervision, and correction of exercise technique at subsequent treatment sessions.

CONCLUSION

Goal-setting techniques related to outcomes were considered to be effective by both respondent groups, and testing of interventions incorporating these strategies should be a research priority.

Subgrouping and TargetEd Exercise pRogrammes for knee and hip OsteoArthritis (STEER OA): a systematic review update and individual participant data meta-analysis protocol

INTRODUCTION

Knee and hip osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Therapeutic exercise is a recommended core treatment for people with knee and hip OA, however, the observed effect sizes for reducing pain and improving physical function are small to moderate. This may be due to insufficient targeting of exercise to subgroups of people who are most likely to respond and/or suboptimal content of exercise programmes. This study aims to identify: (1) subgroups of people with knee and hip OA that do/do not respond to therapeutic exercise and to different types of exercise and (2) mediators of the effect of therapeutic exercise for reducing pain and improving physical function. This will enable optimal targeting and refining the content of future exercise interventions.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

Systematic review and individual participant data meta-analyses. A previous comprehensive systematic review will be updated to identify randomised controlled trials that compare the effects of therapeutic exercise for people with knee and hip OA on pain and physical function to a non-exercise control. Lead authors of eligible trials will be invited to share individual participant data. Trial-level and participant-level characteristics (for baseline variables and outcomes) of included studies will be summarised. Meta-analyses will use a two-stage approach, where effect estimates are obtained for each trial and then synthesised using a random effects model (to account for heterogeneity). All analyses will be on an intention-to-treat principle and all summary meta-analysis estimates will be reported as standardised mean differences with 95% CI.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Research ethical or governance approval is exempt as no new data are being collected and no identifiable participant information will be shared. Findings will be disseminated via national and international conferences, publication in peer-reviewed journals and summaries posted on websites accessed by the public and clinicians.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42017054049.

What interventions are used to improve exercise adherence in older people and what behavioural techniques are they based on? A systematic review

OBJECTIVES

To conduct a systematic review of interventions used to improve exercise adherence in older people, to assess the effectiveness of these interventions and to evaluate the behavioural change techniques underpinning them using the Behaviour Change Technique Taxonomy (BCTT).

DESIGN

Systematic review.

METHODS

A search was conducted on AMED, BNI, CINAHL, EMBASE, MEDLINE and PsychINFO databases. Randomised controlled trials that used an intervention to aid exercise adherence and an exercise adherence outcome for older people were included. Data were extracted with the use of a preprepared standardised form. Risk of bias was assessed with the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias. Interventions were classified according to the BCTT.

RESULTS

Eleven studies were included in the review. Risk of bias was moderate to high. Interventions were classified into the following categories: comparison of behaviour, feedback and monitoring, social support, natural consequences, identity and goals and planning. Four studies reported a positive adherence outcome following their intervention. Three of these interventions were categorised in the feedback and monitoring category. Four studies used behavioural approaches within their study. These were social learning theory, socioemotional selectivity theory, cognitive behavioural therapy and self-efficacy. Seven studies did not report a behavioural approach.

CONCLUSIONS

Interventions in the feedback and monitoring category showed positive outcomes, although there is insufficient evidence to recommend their use currently. There is need for better reporting, use and the development of theoretically derived interventions in the field of exercise adherence for older people. Robust measures of adherence, in order to adequately test these interventions would also be of use.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42015020884.

Prevalence and characteristics of Australian women aged 45 and older who consult acupuncturists for their osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND

There is growing acupuncture use amongst people with osteoarthritis, and acupuncture has been shown to have a positive effect on osteoarthritis. The aim of the study is to identify the characteristics of Australian women who consult acupuncturists for osteoarthritis treatment in order to help inform patients, practitioners and policy makers about the range of health care options accessed by older women with osteoarthritis.

METHODS

The research reported here involved participants from a sub-study of the Sax Institute's 45 and Up Study in Australia. The data of 403 Australian women aged 45 and over with osteoarthritis were analysed. Chi-squared tests and stepwise multiple logistic regression modelling were used to determine the characteristics of women who used acupuncture for the treatment of their osteoarthritis.

RESULTS

Analysis revealed that 7.7% of women reported using acupuncture in the previous 12 months for their osteoarthritis. Acupuncture use is positively associated with women experiencing longer duration of time since initial diagnosis of osteoarthritis (OR = 1.04), undertaking more exercise (OR = 5.41), living in a rural area (OR = 3.62), having consulted a psychologist (OR = 12.21), and having consulted another complementary and alternative medicine practitioner (OR = 4.18).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study reveals considerable acupuncture use amongst women with osteoarthritis. There is a need for health care practitioners to be mindful of acupuncture use among their patients presenting with osteoarthritis. Further research is needed to examine the potential benefits of acupuncture for osteoarthritis and to help inform efficient and safe use of this treatment alongside conventional care.

Effect of exercising at minimum recommendations of the multiple sclerosis exercise guideline combined with structured education or attention control education - secondary results of the step it up randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Recent exercise guidelines for people with multiple sclerosis (MS) recommend a minimum of 30 min moderate intensity aerobic exercise and resistance exercise twice per week. This trial compared the secondary outcomes of a combined 10-week guideline based intervention and a Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) education programme with the same exercise intervention involving an attention control education.

METHODS

Physically inactive people with MS, scoring 0-3 on Patient Determined Disease Steps Scale, with no MS relapse or change in MS medication, were randomised to 10-week exercise plus SCT education or exercise plus attention control education conditions. Outcomes included fatigue, depression, anxiety, strength, physical activity, SCT constructs and impact of MS and were measured by a blinded assessor pre and post-intervention and 3 and 6 month follow up.

RESULTS

One hundred and seventy-four expressed interest, 92 were eligible and 65 enrolled. Using linear mixed effects models, the differences between groups on all secondary measures post-intervention and at follow-up were not significant. Post-hoc, exploratory, within group analysis identified improvements in both groups post intervention in fatigue (mean ∆(95% CI) SCT -4.99(-9.87, -0.21), p = 0.04, Control -7.68(-12.13, -3.23), p = 0.00), strength (SCT -1.51(-2.41, -0.60), p < 0.01, Control -1.55(-2.30, -0.79), p < 0.01), physical activity (SCT 9.85(5.45, 14.23), p < 0.01, Control 12.92(4.69, 20.89), goal setting (SCT 7.30(4.19, 10.4), p < 0.01, Control 5.96(2.92, 9.01), p < 0.01) and exercise planning (SCT 5.88(3.37, 8.39), p < 0.01, Control 3.76(1.27, 6.25), p < 0.01) that were maintained above baseline at 3 and 6 month follow up (all p < 0.05). Only the SCT group improved at 3 and 6 month follow up in physical impact of MS(-4.45(-8.68, -0.22), -4.12(-8.25, 0.01), anxiety(-1.76(-3.20, -0.31), -1.99(-3.28, -0.71), depression(-1.51(-2.89, -0.13), -1.02(-2.05, 0.01)) and cognition(5.04(2.51, 7.57), 3.05(0.81, 5.28), with a medium effect for cognition and fitness (Hedges' g 0.75(0.24, 1.25), 0.51(0.01, 1.00) at 3 month follow up.

CONCLUSIONS

There were no statistically significant differences between groups for the secondary outcomes once age, gender, time since diagnosis and type of MS were accounted for. However, within the SCT group only there were improvements in anxiety, depression, cognition and physical impact of MS. Exercising at the minimum guideline amount has a positive effect on fatigue, strength and PA that is sustained at 3 and 6 months following the cessation of the program.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02301442 , retrospectively registered on November 13th 2014.