Arthritis and rheumatism
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Arthritis and rheumatism · Oct 2008
Randomized Controlled TrialFeasibility and effectiveness of an aerobic exercise program in children with fibromyalgia: results of a randomized controlled pilot trial.
To determine the feasibility of conducting a randomized controlled trial of a 12-week exercise intervention in children with fibromyalgia (FM) and to explore the effectiveness of aerobic exercise on physical fitness, function, pain, FM symptoms, and quality of life (QOL). ⋯ It is feasible to conduct an exercise intervention trial in children with FM. Children with FM tolerate moderate-intensity exercise without exacerbation of their disease. Significant improvements in physical function, FM symptoms, QOL, and pain were demonstrated in both exercise groups; the aerobics group performed better in several measures compared with the qigong group. Future studies may need larger sample sizes to confirm clinical improvement and to detect differences in fitness in childhood FM.
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Arthritis and rheumatism · Oct 2008
Association of body composition with disability in rheumatoid arthritis: impact of appendicular fat and lean tissue mass.
To explore the association of measures of body composition with disability in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). ⋯ Body composition, particularly the amount of fat and lean mass located in the arms and legs, is strongly associated with disability in RA patients.
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Arthritis and rheumatism · Oct 2008
Work and sick leave among patients with early inflammatory joint conditions.
To study the occurrence of sick leave and to identify work characteristics related to sick leave in patients with early inflammatory joint conditions. ⋯ Substantial sick leave in the past 6 months was reported by 26% of patients with early inflammatory joint conditions. Pain, functional limitations, and fewer opportunities to determine one's work activities were associated with the occurrence of sick leave.
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Arthritis and rheumatism · Oct 2008
Family factors, emotional functioning, and functional impairment in juvenile fibromyalgia syndrome.
Family factors and emotional functioning can play an important role in the ability of adolescents with juvenile primary fibromyalgia syndrome (JPFS) to cope with their condition and function in their everyday lives. The primary objectives of this study were to determine 1) whether adolescents with JPFS and their caregivers differed from healthy age-matched comparison peers and their caregivers in terms of emotional distress and functional impairment; 2) whether there were any differences in the family environment of adolescents with JPFS compared with healthy comparison peers; and 3) which individual-, caregiver-, and family-level variables were associated with functional impairment in adolescents with JPFS. ⋯ Increased distress and chronic pain are evident in families of adolescents with JPFS, and family relationships are also impacted. Implications for child functional impairment and the need for inclusion of caregivers in treatment are discussed.
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Arthritis and rheumatism · Oct 2008
Impact of nervous system hyperalgesia on pain, disability, and quality of life in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a controlled analysis.
Refractory, disabling pain associated with knee osteoarthritis (OA) is usually treated with total knee replacement. However, pain in these patients might be associated with central nervous sensitization rather than peripheral inflammation and injury. We evaluated the presence of hyperalgesia in patients scheduled for a total knee replacement due to knee osteoarthritis with refractory pain, and we assessed the impact of pressure pain threshold measurements (PPT) on pain, disability, and quality of life of these patients. ⋯ Patients with pain due to osteoarthritis who were scheduled for total knee replacement showed hyperalgesia of nervous system origin that negatively impacted pain, knee functional capacity, and most aspects of quality of life.