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Effect of tai chi versus aerobic exercise for fibromyalgia: comparative effectiveness randomized controlled trial.
Wang, C, Schmid, CH, Fielding, RA, Harvey, WF, Reid, KF, Price, LL, Driban, JB, Kalish, R, Rones, R, McAlindon, T
BMJ (Clinical research ed.). 2018;360:k851
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Fibromyalgia is a complex disorder, characterised by chronic widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep problems and depression. Conventional treatment is multidisciplinary, including medication, exercise and CBT. This randomised, single-blinded trial aimed to determine the effectiveness of regular Tai Chi practice when compared to the standard recommended exercise, aerobic training. 226 adults diagnosed with fibromyalgia were randomly assigned to either 24 weeks of supervised aerobic exercise or 12 or 24 weeks of Tai Chi classes. A standard fibromyalgia impact questionnaire was used to assess changes in pain and quality of life measures, along with patient perception of various aspects of their condition. The study found that Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire scores improved across all treatment groups, however the 24-week Tai Chi group saw a statistically significant greater improvement than the aerobic group. In addition, those patients on the 24-week Tai Chi programme experienced greater improvement than those on the 12-week Tai Chi programme. There was also higher attendance and fewer drop-outs in the Tai Chi groups in comparison to the aerobic exercise group. Tai Chi could therefore be considered as an alternative to aerobic exercise in a multi-disciplinary approach to fibromyalgia treatment.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To determine the effectiveness of tai chi interventions compared with aerobic exercise, a current core standard treatment in patients with fibromyalgia, and to test whether the effectiveness of tai chi depends on its dosage or duration. DESIGN Prospective, randomized, 52 week, single blind comparative effectiveness trial. SETTING Urban tertiary care academic hospital in the United States between March 2012 and September 2016. PARTICIPANTS 226 adults with fibromyalgia (as defined by the American College of Rheumatology 1990 and 2010 criteria) were included in the intention to treat analyses: 151 were assigned to one of four tai chi groups and 75 to an aerobic exercise group. INTERVENTIONS Participants were randomly assigned to either supervised aerobic exercise (24 weeks, twice weekly) or one of four classic Yang style supervised tai chi interventions (12 or 24 weeks, once or twice weekly). Participants were followed for 52 weeks. Adherence was rigorously encouraged in person and by telephone. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was change in the revised fibromyalgia impact questionnaire (FIQR) scores at 24 weeks compared with baseline. Secondary outcomes included changes of scores in patient's global assessment, anxiety, depression, self efficacy, coping strategies, physical functional performance, functional limitation, sleep, and health related quality of life. RESULTS FIQR scores improved in all five treatment groups, but the combined tai chi groups improved statistically significantly more than the aerobic exercise group in FIQR scores at 24 weeks (difference between groups=5.5 points, 95% confidence interval 0.6 to 10.4, P=0.03) and several secondary outcomes (patient's global assessment=0.9 points, 0.3 to 1.4, P=0.005; anxiety=1.2 points, 0.3 to 2.1, P=0.006; self efficacy=1.0 points, 0.5 to 1.6, P=0.0004; and coping strategies, 2.6 points, 0.8 to 4.3, P=0.005). Tai chi treatment compared with aerobic exercise administered with the same intensity and duration (24 weeks, twice weekly) had greater benefit (between group difference in FIQR scores=16.2 points, 8.7 to 23.6, P<0.001). The groups who received tai chi for 24 weeks showed greater improvements than those who received it for 12 weeks (difference in FIQR scores=9.6 points, 2.6 to 16.6, P=0.007). There was no significant increase in benefit for groups who received tai chi twice weekly compared with once weekly. Participants attended the tai chi training sessions more often than participants attended aerobic exercise. The effects of tai chi were consistent across all instructors. No serious adverse events related to the interventions were reported. CONCLUSION Tai chi mind-body treatment results in similar or greater improvement in symptoms than aerobic exercise, the current most commonly prescribed non-drug treatment, for a variety of outcomes for patients with fibromyalgia. Longer duration of tai chi showed greater improvement. This mind-body approach may be considered a therapeutic option in the multidisciplinary management of fibromyalgia. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01420640.
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Effects of exercise improves muscle strength and fat mass in patients with high fracture risk: A randomized control trial.
Chan, DC, Chang, CB, Han, DS, Hong, CH, Hwang, JS, Tsai, KS, Yang, RS
Journal of the Formosan Medical Association = Taiwan yi zhi. 2018;117(7):572-582
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Sarcopenia is the loss of muscle mass, strength and function related to ageing. It can lead to problems such as reduced mobility and an increased risk of falls in older people. Regular exercise may slow down the deterioration of muscle, but there is no consensus on what type of exercise is best. This study, carried out in Taiwan, aimed to compare different types of exercise on the fat free mass, muscle strength and physical performance in adults over the age of 50 who were at a high risk of bone fractures. The participants were split into two groups and assigned to either the integrated care (IC) or lower extremity exercise (LEE) group for 12 weeks. All participants received education including home-based exercise. The IC group consisted of different modalities of exercise which included upper- and lower-body training with resistance bands and balance training, while the LEE group performed machine-based leg exercises. Fat free mass, muscle strength, and physical performance were measured at the start and end of the study. Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in fat free mass, muscle strength (4 indicators) and physical performance (3 indicators), with the two exercises regimes giving similar results. Both men and women saw similar benefits from regular exercise. The authors concluded that both regimes were equally effective in decreasing fat mass and increasing physical performance, muscle mass and strength. However, the IC group required less equipment and therefore could be more financially feasible in a community setting.
Abstract
BACKGROUND The deterioration of the musculoskeletal system imposes significant impact on physical activity. Exercise is an important strategy which minimizes these changes. It is not clear which type of exercise provides better improvement on low physical performance, low muscle mass and low strength of sarcopenia. We aim to develop an integrated care (IC) model and compare its relative efficacy in limb fat free mass, muscle strength, and physical performance with low extremities exercise (LEE) in community dwelling older adults with high risk of fractures (Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX®)) ≧3% for hip fracture, ≧20% for major osteoporotic fracture or 1-min osteoporosis risk test (≧1 point) or fall (≧2 falls in previous year). METHODS Patients were assigned randomized to participate in either IC or LEE group (n = 55 each) for 3 months. All participants received education including home-based exercise. The IC group consisted of different modalities of exercise while the LEE group performed machine-based low extremities exercise. Fat free mass, muscle strength, and physical performance were measured at their baseline and 3-months follow-up. RESULTS Mean age was 73.8 ± 7 years with 69.1% women. Entire cohort demonstrated significant increment in fat free mass, muscle strength (4 indicators) and physical performance (3 indicators). However, between group differences were not significant. CONCLUSION With regular supervise exercise; both groups are equally effective in decreasing fat mass and increasing physical performance, muscle mass and strength. However, the IC group required fewer resources and thus more financially feasible in a community setting.
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Positive effects on bone mineralisation and muscular fitness after 10 months of intense school-based physical training for children aged 8-10 years: the FIT FIRST randomised controlled trial.
Larsen, MN, Nielsen, CM, Helge, EW, Madsen, M, Manniche, V, Hansen, L, Hansen, PR, Bangsbo, J, Krustrup, P
British journal of sports medicine. 2018;52(4):254-260
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Fractures in older people are a huge public health challenge. Low bone strength in childhood is associated with a higher fracture risk in later life. Weight-bearing activities during childhood can improve muscle and bone strength, potentially reducing the risk of falls and fractures in later life. This study looked at the impact of frequent exercise sessions on bone strength in children aged 8-10 years. 295 Danish school children were divided into three groups: a small-sided ball game group (SSG), a circuit strength training group (CST) or a control group. Exercise sessions lasted for 40 minutes, three times a week for 10 months. Scans were used to determine bone mineral density (BMD), bone mineral content (BMC) and lean body mass (LBM). A variety of tests to determine muscular fitness were carried out at the beginning and end of the study. Both exercise groups saw significant improvements in BMD. Both training types resulted in significant improvements in postural balance and jump length. No differences between the groups were observed for sprint performance or LBM. The authors concluded that 40 min sessions 3 times a week with SSG or CST over a full school year improves bone mineralisation and several aspects of muscular fitness of children aged 8-10 years, suggesting that well-organised physical education classes can contribute positively to musculoskeletal health in young children.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We investigated whether musculoskeletal fitness of school children aged 8-10 years was affected by frequent intense PE sessions. DESIGN AND PARTICIPANTS 295 Danish school children aged 8-10 years were cluster randomised to a small-sided ball game group (SSG) (n=96, four schools, five classes), a circuit strength training group (CST) (n=83, four schools, four classes) or a control group (CON, n=116, two schools, five classes). INTERVENTION SSG or CST was performed 3×40 min/week over 10 months. Whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scans were used to determine areal bone mineral density (aBMD), bone mineral content (BMC) and lean body mass (LBM). Flamingo balance, standing long jump and 20-m sprint tests were used to determine muscular fitness. RESULTS Analysis of baseline-to-10 months change scores showed between-group differences in favour of the interventions in whole-body aBMD (SSG vs CON: 8 mg/cm2, 95% CI 3 to 13; CST vs CON: 7 mg/cm2, 95% CI 2 to 13, p<0.05) and leg BMC (SSG vs CON: 11 g, 95% CI 4 to 18; CST vs CON: 11 g, 95% CI 3 to 18, p<0.05). SSG had higher change scores in leg aBMD compared with CON and CST (SSG vs CON: 19 mg/cm2, 95% CI 11 to 39, p<0.05; SSG vs CST: 12 mg/cm2, 95% CI 3 to 21, p<0.05), and CST had higher change scores in whole-body BMC compared with CON (CST vs CON: 25 g, 95% CI 10 to 39, p<0.05). Both training types resulted in higher change scores in postural balance (SSG vs CON: 2.4 fewer falls/min, 95% CI 0.3 to 4.5, CST vs CON: 3.6 fewer falls/min, 95% CI 1.3 to 5.9, p<0.05) and jump length (SSG vs CON: 10%, 95% CI 5 to 16%; CST vs CON: 9%, 95% CI 3 to 15%, p<0.05). No between-group differences were observed for sprint performance or LBM (p>0.05). CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, 3×40 min/week with SSG or CST over a full school year improves bone mineralisation and several aspects of muscular fitness of children aged 8-10 years, suggesting that well-organised intense physical education classes can contribute positively to develop musculoskeletal health in young children. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER NCT02000492, post results.
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Change in physical activity level and clinical outcomes in older adults with knee pain: a secondary analysis from a randomised controlled trial.
Quicke, JG, Foster, NE, Croft, PR, Ogollah, RO, Holden, MA
BMC musculoskeletal disorders. 2018;19(1):59
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Exercise improves pain and function in adults with knee pain due to osteoarthritis. To date, no studies have investigated if changes in physical activity level can explain this improvement in pain and function. This longitudinal study aimed to investigate if change in physical activity during exercise interventions is associated with future pain and physical function in older adults with knee pain. Participants were adults over the age of 45, who were already taking part in a trial of exercise interventions on knee pain. Change in physical activity was measured using a self-reported scale from baseline to 3 months. Pain and physical function were measured at baseline, 3 months and 6 months. Change in physical activity level was not associated with pain or physical function at 3 or 6 months. The authors suggest that other factors may be responsible for clinical improvements following exercise interventions, and recommend further investigation into the responsiveness of commonly used physical activity measures.
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exercise interventions improve clinical outcomes of pain and function in adults with knee pain due to osteoarthritis and higher levels of physical activity are associated with lower severity of pain and higher levels of physical functioning in older adults with knee osteoarthritis in cross-sectional studies. However, to date no studies have investigated if change in physical activity level during exercise interventions can explain clinical outcomes of pain and function. This study aimed to investigate if change in physical activity during exercise interventions is associated with future pain and physical function in older adults with knee pain. METHODS Secondary longitudinal data analyses of a three armed exercise intervention randomised controlled trial. Participants were adults with knee pain attributed to osteoarthritis, over the age of 45 years old (n = 514) from Primary Care Services in the Midlands and Northwest regions of England. Crude and adjusted associations between absolute change in physical activity from baseline to 3 months (measured by the self-report Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE)) and i) pain ii) physical function (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) and iii) treatment response (OMERACT-OARSI responder criteria) at 3 and 6 months follow-up were investigated using linear and logistic regression. RESULTS Change in physical activity level was not associated with future pain, function or treatment response outcomes in crude or adjusted models at 3 or 6 months (P > 0.05). A 10 point increase in PASE was not associated with pain β = - 0.01 (- 0.05, 0.02), physical function β = - 0.09 (- 0.19, 0.02) or likelihood (odds ratio) of treatment response 1.02 (0.99, 1.04) at 3 months adjusting for sociodemographics, clinical covariates and the trial intervention arm. Findings were similar for 6 month outcome models. CONCLUSIONS Change in physical activity did not explain future clinical outcomes of pain and function in this study. Other factors may be responsible for clinical improvements following exercise interventions. However, the PASE may not be sufficiently responsive to measure change in physical activity level. We also recommend further investigation into the responsiveness of commonly used physical activity measures. TRIAL REGISTRATION ( ISRCTN93634563 ). Registered 29th September 2011.
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Effect of physical exercise on musculoskeletal pain in multiple body regions among healthcare workers: Secondary analysis of a cluster randomized controlled trial.
Jakobsen, MD, Sundstrup, E, Brandt, M, Andersen, LL
Musculoskeletal science & practice. 2018;34:89-96
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Musculoskeletal pain in the neck, shoulder and lower back is the most common and costly work-related health problem. While physical exercise has been shown to be beneficial for back and neck/shoulder pain, only a few studies have evaluated the effects on pain in multiple body regions. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of workplace versus home-based physical exercise on the pressure pain threshold (PPT) and musculoskeletal pain intensity in multiple body regions. This study consisted of secondary analysis of a randomised controlled trial. 200 female healthcare workers from three hospitals were randomised to 10 weeks of: 1) home-based physical exercise (HOME) performed alone during leisure time for 5 × 10 min per week or 2) workplace physical exercise (WORK) performed in groups during working hours for 5 × 10 min per week and up to 5 motivational coaching sessions. PPT (neck, lower back, lower leg) and perceived pain intensity in multiple body regions (feet, knee, hips, lower and upper back, elbow, hand, shoulder, neck, and head) were measured at baseline and 10-week follow-up. In some of the body regions, PPT and pain intensity improved more following WORK than HOME exercises. Significant better improvements were found for PPT in the lower back, and pain intensity in the lower back and feet. HOME did not improve more than WORK for any of the measurements. The authors concluded that physical exercise recommendations for healthcare workers should consider the setting, i.e. performing supervised group-based exercise at work and motivational coaching sessions is more effective than exercising alone at home.
Abstract
BACKGROUND While physical exercise is beneficial for back and neck-shoulder pain, only few intervention studies have evaluated effects on pain in multiple body regions. Furthermore, direct measurement of pain threshold can provide additional information to self-reported pain intensity. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effect of workplace versus home-based physical exercise on pressure pain threshold (PPT) and musculoskeletal pain intensity in multiple body regions. STUDY DESIGN Secondary analysis of an examiner-blinded, cluster randomized controlled trial with allocation concealment. METHOD Two-hundred female healthcare workers from 18 departments at three hospitals were cluster-randomized to 10 weeks of: 1) home-based physical exercise (HOME) performed alone during leisure time for 5 × 10 min per week or 2) workplace physical exercise (WORK) performed in groups during working hours for 5 × 10 min per week and up to 5 motivational coaching sessions. PPT (neck, lower back, lower leg) and perceived pain intensity in multiple body regions (feet, knee, hips, lower and upper back, elbow, hand, shoulder, neck, and head) were measured at baseline and 10-week follow-up. RESULTS In some of the body regions, PPT and pain intensity improved more following WORK than HOME. Between-group differences at follow-up (WORK vs. HOME) were 41 kPA [95% CI 13-70, effect size (ES): 0.22] for PPT in the lower back, and -0.7 [95% CI -1.0-0.3, ES: 0.26] and -0.6 points [95% CI -0.9--0.2, ES: 0.23] for pain intensity in the lower back and feet, respectively. HOME did not improve more than WORK for any of the measurements. CONCLUSION Physical exercise recommendations for healthcare workers should consider the setting, i.e. performing supervised group-based exercise at work and motivational coaching sessions is more effective than exercising alone at home.