Effects of Leisure-Time Physical Activity and Exercise on Pain and Health-Related Quality of Life in Older Females with Arthritis
Journal Title: Biomedical Journal of Scientific & Technical Research (BJSTR) - Year 2019, Vol 13, Issue 3
Abstract
Objective: Arthritis is a chronic, degenerative disease that affects two million Canadians, of which the majority are older females (65+ years). The associated symptom of pain can negatively affect health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Living an active lifestyle through leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) and exercise may have health benefits. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to evaluate health outcomes in active versus inactive females aged 65 years or older with arthritis. Specifically, do active older females with arthritis have lower levels of joint pain associated with arthritis and higher HRQoL, in comparison to inactive participants? Methods: 40 older females from the Durham Region of Ontario, Canada participated in the study of which 60% (N=24) were categorized as active (mean age= 71 years + 6.5) and 40% (N=16) were considered inactive (mean age= 82 years + 8.8). Visual analog scale (VAS), Medical Outcomes Short Form-12 (SF-12) and Activity Levels Questionnaire for Older Adults (ALQOA) were employed. RESULTS: Active older arthritic females reported significantly lower pain (p<0.0001) and higher HRQoL (p<0.0001), in comparison to their inactive counterparts. Moreover, active older females reported significantly higher Physical and Mental Composite Scores (PCS and MCS) (p<0.0001 and p=0.05, respectively), in comparison to inactive counterparts. Conclusion: These findings suggest that older females with arthritis who are active report significantly lower pain and higher HRQoL levels.Arthritis is regarded as one of the most debilitating chronic health conditions globally, and there is no known cure for its many forms. As the population ages and life expectancies increase, the prevalence of arthritis is expected to increase worldwide, especially amongst older females [1]. In Canada, two million (44%) older adults aged 65+ currently live with arthritis, [2] and one-intwo (50%) affected are females [3]. Arthritis rates have steadily increased and will continue increasing in the decades to come [4]. In fact, these numbers are predicted to increase by one percent every five years, virtually doubling by 2031. Hence, the growing incidence and management of arthritis is a growing public health concern in Canada and globally. Evidence suggests that persons living with arthritis generally have poor physical health outcomes and are more likely to report decreased health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and mental health [5]. Exercise and/or physical activity (PA) have been shown to improve and/or maintain physical and mental health [6- 7]. Indeed, exercise and PA may provide a cost effective and safe non-pharmaceutical alternative for the management of patients with arthritis by allied health professionals. Currently, there is no “gold standard” to directly and/or indirectly measure PA and/or exercise levels [8]. Nonetheless, total average daily energy expenditure for specific leisure-time activities is a method widely employed for assessing self-reported activity levels in Canadians, including older adults [9-10]. According to the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS), 43% of older Canadians aged 65+ were classified as moderately active or active based on leisure time scores [10-11]. Nonetheless, little is currently known about the health benefits of leisure PA and exercise on health outcomes in older Canadian females with arthritis. Accordingly, the aim of the present study was to compare leisure-time PA and exercise between active versus inactive older Canadian females with arthritis, and their effects on pain and HRQoL outcomes.
Authors and Affiliations
Barbara Piasecka, Wally J Bartfay, Emma Bartfay, Mika Nonoyama
Keywords
Related Articles
- EP ID EP585817
- DOI 10.26717/BJSTR.2019.13.002416
- Views 106
- Downloads 0
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