Natural history of pain and disability among African-Americans and Whites with or at risk for knee osteoarthritis: A longitudinal study

Diminished vibration perception and greater pressure pain sensitivity are associated with worse knee osteoarthritis outcomes across sex and race

OBJECTIVE

To examine associations of vibration sensitivity and pressure pain sensitivity with knee osteoarthritis (OA) outcomes across sex and race, which may relate to known sex and race disparities in clinical outcomes.

DESIGN

Data were from the 2013-2015 visit of the Johnston County Osteoarthritis Project. Exposures were vibration perception threshold (VPT) measured at the bilateral medial femoral condyle (MFC) and first metatarsophalangeal joint (MTP), and pressure pain threshold (PPT) measured at the bilateral upper trapezius. Outcomes were knee pain severity and presence of knee symptoms, radiographic knee OA, and symptomatic knee OA in each knee. Cross-sectional associations of the exposures with the outcomes were examined using logistic regression models, overall and separately by sex and race.

RESULTS

In the VPT and PPT analyses, 851 and 862 participants (mean age 71 years, 68% female, 33% Black, body mass index 31 kg/m2) and 1585 and 1660 knees were included, respectively. Higher VPT (lower vibration sensitivity) at the MFC and first MTP joint was associated with all outcomes. Lower PPT (greater pressure pain sensitivity) was associated with greater knee pain severity. Associations of VPT and PPT with all outcomes were similar among females and males and Black and White individuals.

CONCLUSIONS

Diminished vibration perception and greater pressure pain sensitivity were cross-sectionally associated with worse knee OA outcomes. Despite differences in VPT and PPT among females and males and Black and White adults, associations with knee OA outcomes did not differ by sex or race, suggesting neurophysiological differences do not relate to established disparities.

Clinical prediction models for knee pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review

OBJECTIVE

To identify and describe existing models for predicting knee pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis.

METHODS

The electronic databases PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library were searched from their inception to May 2023 for any studies to develop and validate a prediction model for predicting knee pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts, and full-text qualifications, and extracted data. Risk of bias was assessed using the PROBAST. Data extraction of eligible articles was extracted by a data extraction form based on CHARMS. The quality of evidence was graded according to GRADE. The results were summarized with descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

The search identified 2693 records. Sixteen articles reporting on 26 prediction models were included targeting occurrence (n = 9), others (n = 7), progression (n = 5), persistent (n = 2), incident (n = 1), frequent (n = 1), and flares (n = 1) of knee pain. Most of the studies (94%) were at high risk of bias. Model discrimination was assessed by the AUROC ranging from 0.62 to 0.81. The most common predictors were age, BMI, gender, baseline pain, and joint space width. Only frequent knee pain had a moderate quality of evidence; all other types of knee pain had a low quality of evidence.

CONCLUSION

There are many prediction models for knee pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis that do show promise. However, the clinical extensibility, applicability, and interpretability of predictive tools should be considered during model development.

Does Physical Activity Confound Race Differences in Osteoarthritis-Related Functional Limitation?

OBJECTIVE

This study sought to determine the extent to which physical activity confounds the relation between race and the incidence of osteoarthritis (OA)-related functional limitation.

METHODS

OA Initiative study participants with or at increased risk of knee OA who wore an accelerometer were included. Race was self-reported. Average time spent in moderate to vigorous physical activity (minutes per day) based on ActiGraph uniaxial accelerometer data was assessed. Functional limitation was based on the following: (1) inability to achieve a community walking speed (1.2 m/s) standard, (2) slow walking speed (<1.0 m/s), and (3) low physical functioning based on a Western Ontario and McMaster Universities OA Index (WOMAC) physical function score greater than 28 of 68.

RESULTS

African American (AA) participants (n = 226), compared with White participants (n = 1348), had a higher likelihood of developing functional limitation based on various measures. When adjusted for time in moderate to vigorous physical activity, the association between AA race and inability to walk a community walking speed slightly decreased (from relative risk [RR] 2.15, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.64-2.81, to RR 1.99, 95% CI 1.51-2.61). Association between AA race and other measures of functional limitation mildly decreased (slow walking speed: from RR 2.06, 95% CI 1.40-3.01, to RR 1.82, 95% CI 1.25-2.63; low physical functioning: from RR 3.44, 95% CI 1.96-6.03, to RR 3.10, 95% CI 1.79-5.39). When further adjusted for demographic and other clinical variables, only the association between race and low physical functioning (WOMAC) significantly decreased and no longer met statistical significance.

CONCLUSION

Greater physical activity is unlikely to completely make up for race differences in OA-related functional limitation, and other barriers to health equity need to be addressed.

Greater socioenvironmental risk factors and higher chronic pain stage are associated with thinner bilateral temporal lobes

INTRODUCTION

Previous research indicates ethnic/race group differences in pain and neurodegenerative diseases. Accounting for socioenvironmental factors reduces ethnic/race group differences in clinical and experimental pain. In the current study sample, we previously reported that in individuals with knee pain, ethnic/race group differences were observed in bilateral temporal lobe thickness, areas of the brain associated with risk for Alzheimer's disease, and related dementias. The purpose of the study was to determine if socioenvironmental factors reduce or account for previously observed ethnic/race group differences and explore if a combined effect of socioenvironmental risk and chronic pain severity on temporal lobe cortices is evident.

METHODS

Consistent with the prior study, the sample was comprised of 147 adults (95 women, 52 men), 45-85 years of age, who self-identified as non-Hispanic Black (n = 72) and non-Hispanic White (n = 75), with knee pain with/at risk for osteoarthritis. Measures included demographics, health history, pain questionnaires, cognitive screening, body mass index, individual- and community-level socioenvironmental factors (education, income, household size, marital and insurance status, and area deprivation index), and brain imaging. We computed a summative socioenvironmental risk index.

RESULTS

Regression analyses showed that with the inclusion of socioenvironmental factors, the model was significant (p < .001), and sociodemographic (ethnic/race) group differences were not significant (p = .118). Additionally, findings revealed an additive stress load pattern indicating thinner temporal lobe cortices with greater socioenvironmental risk and chronic pain severity (p = .048).

IMPLICATIONS

Although individual socioenvironmental factors were not independent predictors, when collectively combined in models, ethnic/race group differences in bilateral temporal lobe structures were not replicated. Further, combined socioenvironmental risk factors and higher chronic pain severity were associated with thinner bilateral temporal lobes.

Mechanistic prospective and pharmacological attributes of quercetin in attenuation of different types of arthritis

Arthritis is a frequent autoimmune disease with undefined etiology and pathogenesis. Scientific community constantly fascinating quercetin (QUR), as it is the best-known flavonoid among others for curative and preventive properties against a wide range of diseases. Due to its multifaceted activities, the implementation of QUR against various types of arthritis namely, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), osteoarthritis (OA), gouty arthritis (GA) and psoriotic arthritis (PsA) has greatly increased in recent years. Many research evidenced that QUR regulates a wide range of pathways for instance NF-κB, MAK, Wnt/β-catenine, Notch, etc., that are majorly associated with the inflammatory mechanisms. Besides, the bioavailability of QUR is a major constrain to its therapeutic potential, and drug delivery techniques have experienced significant development to overcome the problem of its limited application. Hence, this review compiled the cutting-edge experiments on versatile effects of QUR on inflammatory diseases like RA, OA, GA and PsA, sources and bioavailability, therapeutic challenges, pharmacokinetics, clinical studies as well as toxicological impacts. The use of QUR in a health context would offer a tearing and potential therapeutic method, supporting the advancement of public health, particularly, of arthritic patients worldwide.

Cultural Framing and the Impact On Acute Pain and Pain Services

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Optimal treatment requires a thorough understanding of all factors contributing to pain in the individual patient. In this review, we investigate the influence of cultural frameworks on pain experience and management.

RECENT FINDINGS

The loosely defined concept of culture in pain management integrates a predisposing set of diverse biological, psychological and social characteristics shared within a group. Cultural and ethnic background strongly influence the perception, manifestation, and management of pain. In addition, cultural, racial and ethnic differences continue to play a major role in the disparate treatment of acute pain. A holistic and culturally sensitive approach is likely to improve pain management outcomes, will better cover the needs of diverse patient populations and help reduce stigma and health disparities. Mainstays include awareness, self-awareness, appropriate communication, and training.

Investigating the Relationship Between Physical Activity Disparities and Health-Related Quality of Life Among Black People With Knee Osteoarthritis

INTRODUCTION

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common form of arthritis, which is a leading cause of disability. Although no cure exists for knee OA, physical activity has been shown to improve functionality, which can improve an individual's health-related quality of life (HR-QOL). However, racial disparities exist in participating in physical activity, which can result in Black people with knee OA experiencing lower HR-QOL compared with their White counterparts. The purpose of this study was to investigate disparities of physical activity and related determinants, specifically pain and depression, and how these constructs explain why Black people with knee OA experience low HR-QOL.

METHODS

Data were from the Osteoarthritis Initiative, a multicenter longitudinal study that collected data from people with knee OA. The study used a serial mediation model to test whether a change in scores for pain, depression, and physical activity over 96 months mediated the effects between race and HR-QOL.

RESULTS

Analysis of variance models found Black race to be associated with high pain, depression, and lower physical activity and HR-QOL at baseline and month 96. The findings supported the prospective multi-mediation model, which found pain, depression, and physical activity to mediate between race and HR-QOL (β = -0.11, SE = 0.047; 95% CI, -0.203 to -0.016).

CONCLUSION

Disparities in pain, depression, and physical activity could explain why Black people with knee OA experience lower HR-QOL compared with their White counterparts. Future interventions should address sources of pain and depression disparities by improving health care delivery. Additionally, designing race- and culture-appropriate community physical activity programs would help to achieve physical activity equity.

Metformin attenuates symptoms of osteoarthritis: role of genetic diversity of Bcl2 and CXCL16 in OA

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of metformin versus placebo in overweight patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). In addition, to assess the effects of inflammatory mediators and apoptotic proteins in the pathogenesis of OA, the genetic polymorphisms of two genes, one related to apoptosis (rs2279115 of Bcl-2) and the other related to inflammation (rs2277680 of CXCL-16), were investigated.

METHODS

In this double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial, patients were randomly divided to two groups, one group receiving metformin (n = 44) and the other one receiving an identical inert placebo (n = 44) for 4 consecutive months (starting dose 0.5 g/day for the first week, increase to 1 g/day for the second week, and further increase to 1.5 g/day for the remaining period). Another group of healthy individuals (n = 92) with no history and diagnosis of OA were included in this study in order to evaluate the role of genetics in OA. The outcome of treatment regimen was evaluated using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) questionnaire. The frequency of variants of rs2277680 (A181V) and rs2279115 (938C>A) were determined in extracted DNAs using PCR-RFLP method.

RESULTS

Our results indicated an increase in scores of pain (P ≤ 0.0001), activity of daily living (ADL) (P ≤ 0.0001), sport and recreation (Sport/Rec) (P ≤ 0.0001), and quality of life (QOL) (P = 0.003) and total scores of the KOOS questionnaire in the metformin group compared to the placebo group. Susceptibility to OA was associated with age, gender, family history, CC genotype of 938C>A (Pa = 0.001; OR = 5.2; 95% CI = 2.0-13.7), and GG+GA genotypes of A181V (Pa = 0.04; OR = 2.1; 95% CI = 1.1-10.5). The C allele of 938C>A (Pa = 0.04; OR = 2.2; 95% CI = 1.1-9.8) and G allele of A181V (Pa = 0.02; OR = 2.2; 95% CI = 1.1-4.8) were also associated with OA.

CONCLUSION

Our findings support the possible beneficial effects of metformin on improving pain, ADL, Sport/Rec, and QOL in OA patients. Our findings support the association between the CC genotype of Bcl-2 and GG+GA genotypes of CXCL-16 and OA.

Disparities in Chronic Pain Experience and Treatment History Among Persons With Traumatic Brain Injury: A Traumatic Brain Injury Model Systems Study

OBJECTIVE

To determine disparities in pain severity, pain interference, and history of pain treatment for non-Hispanic Whites, non-Hispanic Blacks, and Hispanics with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and chronic pain.

SETTING

Community following discharge from inpatient rehabilitation.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 621 individuals with medically documented moderate to severe TBI who had received acute trauma care and inpatient rehabilitation (440 non-Hispanic Whites, 111 non-Hispanic Blacks, and 70 Hispanics).

DESIGN

A multicenter, cross-sectional, survey study.

MAIN MEASURES

Brief Pain Inventory; receipt of opioid prescription; receipt of nonpharmacologic pain treatments; and receipt of comprehensive interdisciplinary pain rehabilitation.

RESULTS

After controlling for relevant sociodemographic variables, non-Hispanic Blacks reported greater pain severity and greater pain interference relative to non-Hispanic Whites. Race/ethnicity interacted with age, such that the differences between Whites and Blacks were greater for older participants (for severity and interference) and for those with less than a high school education (for interference). There were no differences found between the racial/ethnic groups in the odds of having ever received pain treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Among individuals with TBI who report chronic pain, non-Hispanic Blacks may be more vulnerable to difficulties managing pain severity and to interference of pain in activities and mood. Systemic biases experienced by many Black individuals with regard to social determinants of health must be considered in a holistic approach to assessing and treating chronic pain in individuals with TBI.

Arthritis, physical function, and disability among older Mexican Americans over 23 years of follow-up

OBJECTIVE

Arthritis is a common chronic condition in the ageing population. Its impact on physical function varies according to sociodemographic and race/ethnic factors. The study objective was to examine the impact of arthritis on physical function and disability among non-disabled older Mexican Americans over time.

DESIGN

A 23-year prospective cohort study of 2230 Mexican Americans aged 65 years and older from the Hispanic Established Population for the Epidemiologic Study of the Elderly (1993/94-2016). The independent variable was self-reported physician-diagnosed arthritis, and the outcomes included Activities of Daily Living (ADL), Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL), mobility, Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB), and handgrip strength. Covariates were sociodemographic, medical conditions, body mass index, depressive symptoms, and cognitive function. General linear mixed models were performed to estimate the change in SPPB and muscle strength. General Equation Estimation models estimated the odds ratios (OR) of becoming ADL- or IADL- or mobility - disabled as a function of arthritis. All variables were used as time-varying except for sex, education, and nativity.

RESULTS

Overall, participants with arthritis had higher odds ratio (OR) of any ADL [OR = 1.35, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) = 1.09-1.68] and mobility (OR = 1.34, 95% CI = 1.18-1.52) disability over time than those without arthritis, after controlling for all covariates. Women, but not men, reporting arthritis had increased risk for ADL and mobility disability. The total SPPB score declined 0.18 points per year among those with arthritis than those without arthritis, after controlling for all covariates (p-value < .010).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates the independent effect of arthritis in increasing ADL and mobility disability and decreased physical function in older Mexican Americans over 23-years of follow-up.

Disparities Exist in Physical Therapy Utilization and Time to Utilization Between Black and White Patients With Musculoskeletal Pain

OBJECTIVE

Black patients are less likely than White patients to receive physical therapy for musculoskeletal pain conditions. Current evidence, however, is limited to self-reported conditions and health services use. The purpose of this study was to use a large electronic health record database to determine whether a race disparity existed in use of physical therapy within 90 days of a new musculoskeletal diagnosis.

METHODS

Eligible patients (n = 52,384) were sampled from an Optum deidentified electronic health record database of 5 million adults distributed throughout the United States. In this database, patients were designated as "Black" and "White." Patients were eligible if they had a new diagnosis for musculoskeletal neck, shoulder, back, or knee pain between January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2017. Logistic regression and Cox proportional hazard models were computed before and after adjusting for covariates to estimate the association between race and receipt of physical therapy services within 90 days of musculoskeletal pain diagnoses.

RESULTS

Patients were on average 47.5 (SD = 14.9) years of age, 12.8% were Black, 87.2% were White, and 52.7% were female. Ten percent of Black patients and 15.5% of White patients received physical therapy services within 90 days of musculoskeletal pain diagnoses. After adjusting for covariates, White patients were 57% more likely (odds ratio = 1.57; 95% CI = 1.44-1.71) to receive physical therapy compared with Black patients and had significantly shorter time to physical therapy than Black patients (hazard ratio = 1.53; 95% CI = 1.42-1.66).

CONCLUSIONS

In a nationally distributed cohort, Black patients were less likely than White patients to utilize physical therapy and had a longer time to utilization of physical therapy for musculoskeletal pain.

IMPACT

These findings highlight the need to determine the mechanisms underlying the observed disparities and how these disparities influence health outcomes.

Physical and financial impacts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbate knee pain: A longitudinal study of a large-scale general population

OBJECTIVES

This study aimed to evaluate the changes in knee pain, a dominant cause of physical disability, following the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, and to identify factors affecting the changes in knee pain.

METHODS

We analysed the pre- and post-COVID-19 longitudinal data set of the Nagahama Study. Knee pain was assessed using the Knee Society Score (KSS). The estimated KSS from the age and sex using regression model in the pre- and post-COVID-19 data set was compared. Factors including the activity score, educational level, and various impacts of COVID-19 were analysed for correlation analyses with changes in KSS.

RESULTS

Data collected from 6409 participants showed statistically significant differences in KSS, pre- (mean = 22.0; SD = 4.4) and post-COVID-19 (mean = 19.5; SD = 6.4). Low activity score (p = .008), low educational level (p < .001), and undesirable financial impact (p = .030) were independently associated with knee pain exacerbation.

CONCLUSION

The harmful effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on knee pain were suggested. People should be encouraged to engage in physical activities, such as walking, despite the state of emergency. Furthermore, social support for economically disadvantaged groups may improve healthcare access, preventing the acute exacerbations of knee pain.

Disease-Specific Health Disparities: A Targeted Review Focusing on Race and Ethnicity

Background: Wide disparities in health status exist in the United States across race and ethnicity, broadly driven by social determinants of health—most notably race and ethnic group differences in income, education, and occupational status. However, disparities in disease frequency or severity remain underappreciated for many individual diseases whose distribution in the population varies. Such information is not readily accessible, nor emphasized in treatment guidelines or reviews used by practitioners. Specifically, a summary on disease-specific evidence of disparities from population-based studies is lacking. Our goal was to summarize the published evidence for specific disease disparities in the United States so that this knowledge becomes more widely available “at the bedside”. We hope this summary stimulates health equity research at the disease level so that these disparities can be addressed effectively. Methods: A targeted literature review of disorders in Pfizer’s current pipeline was conducted. The 38 diseases included metabolic disorders, cancers, inflammatory conditions, dermatologic disorders, rare diseases, and infectious targets of vaccines under development. Online searches in Ovid and Google were performed to identify sources focused on differences in disease rates and severity between non-Hispanic Whites and Black/African Americans, and between non-Hispanic Whites and Hispanics. As a model for how this might be accomplished for all disorders, disparities in disease rates and disease severity were scored to make the results of our review most readily accessible. After primary review of each condition by one author, another undertook an independent review. Differences between reviewers were resolved through discussion. Results: For Black/African Americans, 29 of the 38 disorders revealed a robust excess in incidence, prevalence, or severity. After sickle cell anemia, the largest excesses in frequency were identified for multiple myeloma and hidradenitis suppurativa. For Hispanics, there was evidence of disparity in 19 diseases. Most notable were metabolic disorders, including non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Conclusions: This review summarized recent disease-specific evidence of disparities based on race and ethnicity across multiple diseases, to inform clinicians and health equity research. Our findings may be well known to researchers and specialists in their respective fields but may not be common knowledge to health care providers or public health and policy institutions. Our hope is that this effort spurs research into the causes of the many disease disparities that exist in the United States.

Patient Characteristics Independently Associated With Knee Osteoarthritis Symptom Severity at Initial Orthopedic Consultation

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to identify patient and disease characteristics associated with the symptomatic severity of knee osteoarthritis (OA) at the time of initial knee OA diagnosis by an orthopedist.

METHODS

This medical records review included patients initially diagnosed with knee OA during 2016 to 2017 by a single orthopedic surgeon in a university-based tertiary care setting. All variables were assessed at first OA diagnosis. Main outcomes were subscales of the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-Pain, other Symptoms, knee-related quality of life, and function in daily living. Multivariable regression analyses examined the following predictors of main outcomes: sex, race, age, insurance type, body mass index, Charlson comorbidity index, and radiographic OA severity (Kellgren-Lawrence grade).

RESULTS

Of the 559 patients included in the study, most were African American (52.1%), female (71.7%), and had severe radiographic OA (Kellgren-Lawrence grade, 4; 68.7%). Female sex, African American racial/ethnic group, Medicaid insurance, younger age, and severe radiographic OA were independently statistically significantly associated with worse symptoms, pain, and function (p < 0.05 for all). Body mass index and Charlson comorbidity index were not statistically significant predictors of any outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified disparities in the perception of knee OA problems at initial orthopedist diagnosis based on sex, age, race, insurance, and radiographic OA severity. Because most of these variables are also associated with more rapid progression of OA, identifying their biopsychosocial underpinnings may help determine which interventions are most likely to redress these disparities and delay progression to end-stage knee OA.

Deep learning approach to predict pain progression in knee osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE

To develop and evaluate deep learning (DL) risk assessment models for predicting pain progression in subjects with or at risk of knee osteoarthritis (OA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The incidence and progression cohorts of the Osteoarthritis Initiative, a multi-center longitudinal study involving 9348 knees in 4674 subjects with or at risk of knee OA that began in 2004 and is ongoing, were used to conduct this retrospective analysis. A subset of knees without and with pain progression (defined as a 9-point or greater increase in pain score between baseline and two or more follow-up time points over the first 48 months) was randomly stratified into training (4200 knees with a mean age of 61.0 years and 60% female) and hold-out testing (500 knees with a mean age of 60.8 years and 60% female) datasets. A DL model was developed to predict pain progression using baseline knee radiographs. An artificial neural network was used to develop a traditional risk assessment model to predict pain progression using demographic, clinical, and radiographic risk factors. A combined model was developed to combine demographic, clinical, and radiographic risk factors with DL analysis of baseline knee radiographs. Area under the curve (AUC) analysis was performed using the hold-out testing dataset to evaluate model performance.

RESULTS

The traditional model had an AUC of 0.692 (66.9% sensitivity and 64.1% specificity). The DL model had an AUC of 0.770 (76.7% sensitivity and 70.5% specificity), which was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than the traditional model. The combined model had an AUC of 0.807 (72.3% sensitivity and 80.9% specificity), which was significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the traditional and DL models.

CONCLUSIONS

DL models using baseline knee radiographs had higher diagnostic performance for predicting pain progression than traditional models using demographic, clinical, and radiographic risk factors.

Use of Complementary and Alternative Therapy for Knee Osteoarthritis: Race and Gender Variations

Objective

To evaluate race and gender variations in complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use for knee osteoarthritis (OA) (unadjusted and adjusted for demographic and clinical factors).

Methods

A secondary analysis of cross‐sectional data was conducted. The sample included Veterans Affairs patients 50 years of age or older with symptomatic knee OA. Current use of various CAM therapies was assessed at baseline. Logistic regression models were used to compare race and gender differences in the use of specific CAMs.

Results

The sample included 517 participants (52.2% identified as African American [AA]; 27.1% identified as female). After adjusting for demographic and clinical factors, AA participants, compared with white participants, were less likely to use joint supplements (odds ratio [OR]: 0.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.31‐0.90]); yoga, tai chi, or pilates (OR: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.19‐0.77); and chiropractic care (OR: 0.51; 95% CI: 0.26‐1.00). However, they were more likely to participate in spiritual activities (OR: 2.02; 95% CI: 1.39‐2.94). Women, compared with men, were more likely to use herbs (OR: 2.42; 95% CI: 1.41‐4.14); yoga, tai chi, or pilates (OR: 2.09; 95% CI: 1.04‐4.19); acupuncture, acupressure, or massage (OR: 2.45; 95% CI: 1.28‐4.67); and spiritual activities (OR: 1.68; 95% CI: 1.09‐2.60). The interactive effects of race and gender were significant in the use of herbs (P = 0.008); yoga, tai chi, or pilates (P = 0.011); acupuncture, acupressure or massage (P = 0.038); and spiritual activities (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

There are race and gender differences in the use of various CAMs for OA. As benefits and limitations of CAM therapies vary, clinicians must be aware of these differences.

Relationships Between Chronic Pain Stage, Cognition, Temporal Lobe Cortex, and Sociodemographic Variables

BACKGROUND

Non-Hispanic black (NHB) individuals have increased risk of Alzheimer's disease (AD) relative to non-Hispanic whites (NHW). Ethnicity/race can serve as a proxy sociodemographic variable for a complex representation of sociocultural and environmental factors. Chronic pain is a form of stress with high prevalence and sociodemographic disparities. Chronic pain is linked to lower cognition and accelerated biological aging.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study is to seek understanding of potential cognitive and temporal lobe structural brain AD vulnerabilities based on chronic pain stage and ethnicity/race.

METHODS

Participants included 147 community dwelling NHB and NHW adults without dementia between 45-85 years old who had or were at risk of knee osteoarthritis. All participants received an MRI (3T Philips), the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), and assessment of clinical knee pain stage.

RESULTS

There were ethnic/race group differences in MoCA scores but no relationships with chronic knee pain stage. Ethnicity/race moderated the relationship between AD-related temporal lobe thickness and chronic pain stage with quadratic patterns suggesting thinner cortex in high chronic pain stage NHB adults.

CONCLUSION

There appear to be complex relationships between chronic knee pain stage, temporal lobe cortex, and sociodemographic variables. Specifically, NHB participants without dementia but with high chronic knee pain stage appeared to have thinner temporal cortex in areas associated with AD. Understanding the effects of sociocultural and socioeconomic factors on health outcomes is the first step to challenging the disparities in healthcare that now appear to link disease conditions to neurodegenerative processes.

Associations of pain catastrophizing with pain-related brain structure in individuals with or at risk for knee osteoarthritis: Sociodemographic considerations

Compelling evidence exists that non-Hispanic blacks (NHB) engage in pain catastrophizing (negatively evaluate one's ability to cope with pain) more often than non-Hispanic whites (NHW). Functional neuroimaging studies revealed that individuals with high levels of trait pain catastrophizing show increased cerebral responses to pain in several pain-related brain regions (e.g., insula, primary somatosensory cortex [S1]), but associations between brain structure and catastrophizing remain largely unexplored. The current investigation was conducted at the University of Florida and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Participants were 129 community-dwelling adults with or at risk of knee osteoarthritis (OA). Participants completed the pain catastrophizing subscale of the Coping Strategies Questionnaire-Revised and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain intensity subscale. Magnetic Resonance Imaging data were obtained. MANOVA and Chi-Square analyses assessed sociodemographic/clinical differences stratified by ethnicity/race. Multivariate regression analyses with insula and somatosensory cortical thickness entered as dependent variables with catastrophizing and the interaction between catastrophizing and ethnicity/race as the independent variables. Covariates include education, body mass index, study site, and WOMAC pain (ethnicity/race was an additional covariate in non-stratified analyses). There were significant interactions between ethnicity/race, pain catastrophizing, and brain structure. Higher pain catastrophizing was associated with thinner S1 bilaterally (ps < .05) in NHW, but not NHB participants with or at risk for knee OA. These results suggest that pain catastrophizing might have differing effects on pain-related central pathways and may contribute to ethnic/race group differences in individuals with or at risk for knee OA.

Study Protocol Modeling Evoked Pain in Older African Americans With Knee Osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND

African American (AA) older adults with knee osteoarthritis experience more severe chronic pain and advanced physical disability. One of the most prominent stimuli that provokes knee pain is movement. Research suggests that, compared to Whites, AAs report significantly higher movement-evoked pain (MEP) in the knee. However, little is known about the biopsychosocial-behavioral mechanisms underlying MEP.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of the study was to present a study protocol to (a) characterize the biopsychosocial-behavioral mechanisms that predict MEP in AAs with knee osteoarthritis and (b) develop a targeted, mechanism-based self-management intervention to reduce MEP and maximize movement.

METHODS

An observational, mixed-methods cohort study will enroll 90 AA/Black adults (ages 55-90 years) to understand intraindividual and interindividual effects on MEP. Participants will complete assessments of MEP, function and gait, biopsychosocial-behavioral questionnaires, quantitative sensory testing, and 7-day ecological momentary assessments of pain and related symptoms. For the qualitative phase, focus groups will be conducted to co-construct a mechanism-based pain self-management intervention.

RESULTS

We will develop phenotypes of MEP based on biopsychosocial-behavioral predictors and correlate measures of MEP with function. Our central hypothesis is that higher levels of MEP will predict lower self-reported function and poorer performance on functional tasks and that multiple biopsychosocial and behavioral factors will be associated with MEP and function. Predictors may serve as risk or protective factors for MEP and physical function. In targeting the biopsychosocial-behavioral mechanisms of MEP, we anticipate that older AAs may request that intervention components include culturally tailored self-management education, movement/physical activity training, treatment decision-making skills, coaching, spirituality, and social/kinship support.

CONCLUSION

Osteoarthritis is now the single most common cause of disability, mobility limitations, and persistent pain in older adults-especially AA older adults. To our knowledge, this will be the first study to systematically phenotype MEP in an older racial minority population with knee osteoarthritis and will be relevant for reducing knee pain and improving function.

Quantifying Mediators of Racial Disparities in Knee Osteoarthritis Outcome Scores: A Cross-Sectional Analysis

Studies on symptomatic osteoarthritis suggest that Black patients report worse pain and symptoms compared with White patients with osteoarthritis. In this study, we aimed to quantify the relationship among variables such as overall health and socioeconomic status that may contribute to disparities in patient-reported outcomes.

Applying the NIA Health Disparities Research Framework to Identify Needs and Opportunities in Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain Research

Disparities in the experience of chronic musculoskeletal pain in the United States stem from a confluence of a broad array of factors. Organized within the National Institute on Aging Health Disparity Research Framework, a literature review was completed to evaluate what is known and what is needed to move chronic musculoskeletal pain research forward specific to disproportionately affected populations. Peer-reviewed studies published in English, on human adults, from 2000 to 2019, and conducted in the United States were extracted from PubMed and Web of Science. Articles were reviewed for key words that focused on underrepresented ethnic/race groups with chronic musculoskeletal pain applying health factor terms identified in the NIAHealth Disparity Research Framework four levels of analysis: 1) environmental, 2) sociocultural, 3) behavioral, and 4) biological. A total of 52 articles met inclusion criteria. There were limited publications specific to underrepresented ethnic/race groups with chronic musculoskeletal pain across all levels with particular research gaps under sociocultural and biological categories. Current limitations in evidence may be supplemented by a foundation of findings specific to the broader topic of "chronic pain" which provides guidance for future investigations. Study designs including a focus on protective factors and multiple levels of analyses would be particularly meritorious. PERSPECTIVE: Chronic musculoskeletal pain unequally burdens underrepresented ethnic/race groups. In order to move research forward and to systematically investigate the complex array of factors contributing toward health disparities, an organized approach is necessary. Applying the NIA Health Disparities Research Framework, an overview of the current state of evidence specific to chronic musculoskeletal pain and underrepresented ethnic/race groups is provided with future directions identified.

A Mediation Appraisal of Catastrophizing, Pain-Related Outcomes, and Race in Adults With Knee Osteoarthritis

The current cross-sectional study investigates whether pain catastrophizing mediates the relationship between ethnicity/race and pain, disability and physical function in individuals with knee osteoarthritis. Furthermore, this study examined mediation at 2-year follow-up. Participants included 187 community-dwelling adults with unilateral or bilateral knee pain who screened positive for knee osteoarthritis. Participants completed several self-reported pain-related measures and pain catastrophizing subscale at baseline and 2-year follow-up. Non-Hispanic Black (NHB) adults reported greater pain, disability, and poorer functional performance compared to their non-Hispanic White (NHW) counterparts (Ps < .05). NHB adults also reported greater catastrophizing compared to NHW adults. Mediation analyses revealed that catastrophizing mediated the relationship between ethnicity/race and pain outcome measures. Specifically, NHB individuals reported significantly greater pain and disability, and exhibited lower levels of physical function, compared to NHW individuals, and these differences were mediated by higher levels of catastrophizing among NHB persons. Catastrophizing was a significant predictor of pain and disability 2-years later in both ethnic/race groups. These results suggest that pain catastrophizing is an important variable to consider in efforts to reduce ethnic/race group disparities in chronic pain. The findings are discussed in light of structural/systemic factors that may contribute to greater self-reports of pain catastrophizing among NHB individuals. PERSPECTIVE: The current study examines whether pain catastrophizing mediates the relationship between ethnicity/race and OA-related pain, disability, and functional impairment at baseline and during a 2-year follow-up period in non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic White adults with knee pain. These results point to the need for interventions that target pain catastrophizing.

Clinician-Patient Racial/Ethnic Concordance Influences Racial/Ethnic Minority Pain: Evidence from Simulated Clinical Interactions

OBJECTIVE

Racial and ethnic minorities in the United States report higher levels of both clinical and experimental pain, yet frequently receive inadequate pain treatment. Although these disparities are well documented, their underlying causes remain largely unknown. Evidence from social psychological and health disparities research suggests that clinician-patient racial/ethnic concordance may improve minority patient health outcomes. Yet whether clinician-patient racial/ethnic concordance influences pain remains poorly understood.

METHODS

Medical trainees and community members/undergraduates played the role of "clinicians" and "patients," respectively, in simulated clinical interactions. All participants identified as non-Hispanic Black/African American, Hispanic white, or non-Hispanic white. Interactions were randomized to be either racially/ethnically concordant or discordant in a 3 (clinician race/ethnicity) × 2 (clinician-patient racial/ethnic concordance) factorial design. Clinicians took the medical history and vital signs of the patient and administered an analogue of a painful medical procedure.

RESULTS

As predicted, clinician-patient racial/ethnic concordance reduced self-reported and physiological indicators of pain for non-Hispanic Black/African American patients and did not influence pain for non-Hispanic white patients. Contrary to our prediction, concordance was associated with increased pain report in Hispanic white patients. Finally, the influence of concordance on pain-induced physiological arousal was largest for patients who reported prior experience with or current worry about racial/ethnic discrimination.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings inform our understanding of the sociocultural factors that influence pain within medical contexts and suggest that increasing minority, particularly non-Hispanic Black/African American, physician numbers may help reduce persistent racial/ethnic pain disparities.

Knee pain trajectories over 18 months in non-Hispanic Black and non-Hispanic White adults with or at risk for knee osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND

Pain is the hallmark symptom of knee osteoarthritis (OA), and varies widely across individuals. Previous research has demonstrated both fluctuating and stable pain trajectories in knee OA using various time periods. Changes in pain assessed quarterly (i.e. 3-month intervals) in knee OA are relatively unknown. The current study aimed to investigate temporal variations in pain over a one and a half year period (18 months) based on quarterly characteristic pain assessments, and to examine differences in pain patterns by sociodemographic and baseline pain characteristics.

METHODS

The sample included a prospective cohort of 188 participants (mean age 58 years; 63% female; 52% non-Hispanic Black) with or at risk for knee OA from an ongoing multisite investigation of ethnic/race group differences. Knee pain intensity was self-reported at baseline and quarterly over an18-month period. Baseline pain assessment also included frequency, duration, and total number of pain sites. Group-based trajectory modeling was used to identify distinct pain trajectories. Multinomial logistic regression was used to examine associations between sociodemographic characteristics, risk factors, and pain trajectory groups.

RESULTS

Pain trajectories were relatively stable among a sample of adults with knee pain. Four distinct pain trajectories emerged in the overall sample, with the largest proportion of participants (35.1%) classified in the moderate-high pain group. There were significant relationships between age, education, income, ethnicity/race and trajectory group; with younger, less educated, lower income, and non-Hispanic Black participants had a greater representation in the highest pain trajectory group.

CONCLUSIONS

Pain remained stable across a one and a half-year period in adults with or at risk for knee osteoarthritis, based on quarterly assessments. Certain sociodemographic variables (e.g. ethnicity/race, education, income, age) may contribute to an increased risk of experiencing greater pain.

Neuropathic-Like Pain Symptoms in a Community-Dwelling Sample with or at Risk for Knee Osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVE

To characterize neuropathic-like pain among individuals with or at risk for knee osteoarthritis.

SUBJECTS

One hundred eighty-four individuals who self-identified as non-Hispanic black or non-Hispanic white and presented with unilateral or bilateral knee pain.

DESIGN

Neuropathic-like pain was assessed using the painDETECT, and those with high vs low neuropathic-like pain were compared on clinical pain, psychological symptoms, physical function, and quantitative sensory testing. Analyses were unadjusted, partially and fully adjusted for relevant covariates.

RESULTS

Thirty-two (17.4%) participants reported experiencing neuropathic-like pain features above the painDETECT clinical cut-score. The neuropathic-like pain group reported significantly greater pain severity on all measures of clinical pain and higher levels of psychological symptoms when fully adjusted for covariates, but no differences emerged for disability and lower extremity function. The neuropathic-like pain group also reported greater overall heat pain ratings during the heat pain threshold and increased temporal summation of heat pain in the fully adjusted model. Additionally, those with neuropathic-like pain symptoms reported greater painful after-sensations following heat pain temporal summation in all analyses. No significant group differences in pressure pain threshold emerged at any of the testing sites. In contrast, temporal summation of mechanical pain was significantly greater at both the index knee and the ipsilateral hand for the neuropathic-like pain group in all analyses.

CONCLUSIONS

Participants with or at risk for knee osteoarthritis who reported high neuropathic-like pain experienced significantly greater clinical pain and increased heat and mechanical temporal summation at the index knee and other body sites tested, suggesting central sensitization.

An algorithmic approach to reducing unexplained pain disparities in underserved populations

Underserved populations experience higher levels of pain. These disparities persist even after controlling for the objective severity of diseases like osteoarthritis, as graded by human physicians using medical images, raising the possibility that underserved patients' pain stems from factors external to the knee, such as stress. Here we use a deep learning approach to measure the severity of osteoarthritis, by using knee X-rays to predict patients' experienced pain. We show that this approach dramatically reduces unexplained racial disparities in pain. Relative to standard measures of severity graded by radiologists, which accounted for only 9% (95% confidence interval (CI), 3-16%) of racial disparities in pain, algorithmic predictions accounted for 43% of disparities, or 4.7× more (95% CI, 3.2-11.8×), with similar results for lower-income and less-educated patients. This suggests that much of underserved patients' pain stems from factors within the knee not reflected in standard radiographic measures of severity. We show that the algorithm's ability to reduce unexplained disparities is rooted in the racial and socioeconomic diversity of the training set. Because algorithmic severity measures better capture underserved patients' pain, and severity measures influence treatment decisions, algorithmic predictions could potentially redress disparities in access to treatments like arthroplasty.

Relationships Between Pain, Life Stress, Sociodemographics, and Cortisol: Contributions of Pain Intensity and Financial Satisfaction

Objective

The relationship between psychosocial stress and chronic pain is bidirectional. An improved understanding regarding the relationships among chronic pain, life stress, and ethnicity/race will inform identification of factors contributing to health disparities in chronic pain and improve health outcomes. This study aims to assess relationships between measures of clinical pain, life stress, sociodemographics, and salivary cortisol levels.

Methods

A cross-sectional analysis involving data from 105 non-Hispanic White (NHW) and non-Hispanic Black (NHB) participants aged 45–85 years old with or at risk for knee osteoarthritis. Data included sociodemographics, clinical pain, psychosocial stress, and salivary cortisol across five time points over an approximate 12-hour period. Non-parametric correlation analysis, sociodemographic group comparisons, and regression analyses were performed.

Results

Clinical pain and psychosocial stress were associated with salivary cortisol levels, particularly morning waking and the evening to morning awakening slope. With the inclusion of recognized explanatory variables, the Graded Chronic Pain Scale characteristic pain intensity and financial satisfaction were identified as the primary pain and psychosocial measures associated with cortisol levels. Sociodemographic group differences were indicated such that NHB participants reported higher pain-related disability, higher levels of discrimination, lower financial and material satisfaction, and showed higher evening salivary cortisol levels compared to NHW participants. In combined pain and psychosocial stress analyses, greater financial satisfaction, lower pain intensity, and lower depression were associated with higher morning waking saliva cortisol levels while greater financial satisfaction was the only variable associated with greater evening to morning awakening slope.

Conclusion

Our findings show relationships among clinical pain, psychosocial stress, sociodemographic factors, and salivary cortisol levels. Importantly, with inclusion of recognized explanatory variables, financial satisfaction remained the primary factor accounting for differences in morning waking cortisol and evening to morning awakening cortisol slope in an ethnic/racially diverse group of middle aged and older adults with or at risk for knee osteoarthritis.

Racial/Ethnic, Socioeconomic, and Geographic Disparities in the Epidemiology of Knee and Hip Osteoarthritis

It is estimated that 32.5 million US adults have clinical osteoarthritis (OA), with the most common sites being knee and hip. OA is associated with substantial individual and societal costs. Race/ethnicity, socioeconomic status (SES), and geographic variations in the prevalence of knee and hip OA are well established around the world. In addition, clinical outcomes associated with hip and knee OA differ according to race/ethnicity, SES, and geography. This variation is likely multifactorial and may also reflect country-specific differences in health care systems. The interplay between different factors, such as geography, SES, and race/ethnicity, is difficult to study.

Placebo hypoalgesia: racial differences

No large-cohort studies that examine potential racial effects on placebo hypoalgesic effects exist. To fill this void, we studied placebo effects in healthy and chronic pain participants self-identified as either African American/black (AA/black) or white. We enrolled 372 study participants, 186 with a diagnosis of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) and 186 race-, sex-, and age-matched healthy participants to participate in a placebo experiment. Using a well-established paradigm of classical conditioning with verbal suggestions, each individual pain sensitivity was measured to calibrate the temperatures for high- and low-pain stimuli in the conditioning protocol. These 2 temperatures were then paired with a red and green screen, respectively, and participants were told that the analgesic intervention would activate during the green screens to reduce pain. Participants then rated the painfulness of each stimulus on a visual analog scale ranging from 0 to 100. Racial influences were tested on conditioning strength, reinforced expectations, and placebo hypoalgesia. We found that white participants reported greater conditioning effects, reinforced relief expectations, and placebo effects when compared with their AA/black counterparts. Racial effects on placebo were observed in TMD, although negligible, short-lasting, and mediated by conditioning strength. Secondary analyses on the effect of experimenter-participant race and sex concordance indicated that same experimenter-participant race induced greater placebo hypoalgesia in TMDs while different sex induced greater placebo hypoalgesia in healthy participants. This is the first and largest study to analyze racial effects on placebo hypoalgesia and has implications for both clinical research and treatment outcomes.

"Bearing the Pain": The Experience of Aging African Americans With Osteoarthritis Pain

Studies document that osteoarthritis-related joint pain is more severe in African American older adults, but research on the personal experience of osteoarthritis pain self-management in this population is limited. Using a qualitative descriptive design, our objective was to extend our understanding of the experience of life with osteoarthritis pain. Eighteen African Americans (50 years and older) were recruited from Louisiana to participate in a single semi-structured, in-depth interview. A conventional content analysis revealed that “Bearing the pain” characterized how older African Americans dealt with osteoarthritis. Bearing the pain comprised three actions: adjusting to pain, sharing pain with others, and trusting God as healer. We discovered that a metapersonal experience subsumes the complex biopsychosocial-cultural patterns and the intricate interaction of self, others, and God in living with and managing osteoarthritis pain. Study findings have implications for application of more inclusive self-management frameworks and interventions.

Pain coping skills training for African Americans with osteoarthritis: results of a randomized controlled trial

African Americans bear a disproportionate burden of osteoarthritis (OA), but they have been underrepresented in trials of behavioral interventions for pain. This trial examined a culturally tailored pain coping skills training (CST) program, compared to a wait list control group, among 248 African Americans with knee or hip OA. The pain CST program involved 11 telephone-based sessions over 3 months. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 3 months (primary), and 9 months, and included the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain subscale (primary outcome), WOMAC total score and function subscale, PROMIS Pain Interference, Short-Form 12 Mental and Physical Composite Subscales, Coping Strategies Questionnaire-Total Coping Attempts, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Patient Health Questionnaire-8, Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale, and Patient Global Impression of Arthritis Symptom Change. Linear mixed models were fit for all outcomes. There were no significant between-group differences in WOMAC pain score at 3 months (-0.63 [95% confidence interval -1.45, 0.18]; P = 0.128) or 9 months (-0.84 [95% confidence interval -1.73, 0.06]; P = 0.068). Among secondary outcomes, at 3 months, there were significant differences, in favor of the CST group, for Coping Strategies Questionnaire Total Coping Attempts, Pain Catastrophizing Scale, Arthritis Self-Efficacy, and Patient Global Impression of Arthritis Symptom Change (P < 0.01). Coping Strategies Questionnaire Total Coping Attempts, Arthritis Self-Efficacy, and Patient Global Assessment Change were also significantly improved at 9 months in the CST group, compared with wait list (P < 0.01). The culturally tailored pain CST program did not significantly reduce pain severity but did improve key measures of pain coping and perceived ability to manage pain among African Americans with OA.

Black American older adults' motivation to engage in osteoarthritis treatment recommendations for pain self-management: A mixed methods study

BACKGROUND

Osteoarthritis is a long-term condition, and four core treatments are recommended to minimize the interference of pain and symptoms on their daily function. However, older Black Americans have traditionally been at a disadvantage in regard to knowledge of and engagement in chronic disease self-management and self-care. Surprisingly, minimal research has addressed understanding motivational factors key to self-management behaviors. Thus, it is important to understand if older Black Americans' self-management is supported by current recommendations for the management of symptomatic osteoarthritis and what factors limit or motivate engagement in recommended treatments.

OBJECTIVE

Our objectives are to: (1) identify stage of engagement in four core recommended treatments for osteoarthritis, (2) describe the barriers and motivators to these recommended treatments, and (3) construct an understanding of the process of pain self-management motivation.

DESIGN

A mixed-methods concurrent parallel design.

SETTING

Participants were recruited from communities in northern Louisiana, USA.

PARTICIPANTS

Black Americans (≥50 years of age) with clinical osteoarthritis and/or provider-diagnosed osteoarthritis were enrolled. One hundred ten participants completed the study, and 18 of these individuals were also interviewed individually.

METHODS

Data were collected using in-person surveys and interviews. Over a period of 11 months, close- and open-ended surveys and in-depth interviews were conducted with participants. Descriptive statistics describe utilization/engagement level as well as barriers and motivators of recommended treatments for non-surgical osteoarthritis. Content and thematic analyses of interviews summarized perspectives on the process and role of motivation in pain self-management.

RESULTS

Overall, engagement levels in treatments ranged from very low to high. Over 55% of older Black Americans were actively engaged in two of the recommended treatments: land-based exercise and strength training. Major motivators included reduction in pain and stiffness and maintenance of mobility and good health. The majority of participants were not using water-based exercise and self-management education. Primary barriers were lack of access, time, and knowledge of resources.

CONCLUSIONS

In order to maximize the benefits of osteoarthritis pain self-management, older Black Americans must be equipped with the motivation, resources, information and skills, and time to engage in recommended treatment options. Their repertoire of behavioral self-management did not include two key treatments and is inconsistent with what is recommended, predominantly due to barriers that are difficult to overcome. In these cases, motivation alone is not optimal in promoting self-management. Providers, researchers, and community advocates should work collaboratively to expand access to self-management resources, particularly when personal and community motivation are high.

The Reciprocal Relationship of Pain and Movement in African American Older Adults With Multi-Joint Osteoarthritis

Pain with movement is a common issue for older adults with osteoarthritis; however, there has been insufficient attention within populations at increased risk for disabling pain, such as African American older adults. Accordingly, using a mixed methods approach, the purpose of the current study is to describe the nature of chronic joint pain and movement and its impact on physical function in African American older adults with symptomatic osteoarthritis. The authors accrued a sample of 110 African American older adults who completed cross-sectional surveys; from this sample, the authors interviewed 18 participants. Findings suggest that patterns of movement are uniquely influenced by pain. Specifically, three dynamic themes emerged: The Impact of Pain on Movement; The Importance and Impact of Movement on Pain; and The Adaptation of Personal Behaviors to Minimize Pain With Movement. Function-focused nursing care rests on addressing challenges and opportunities that African American older adults face in maintaining healthy movement when managing osteoarthritis pain. [Research in Gerontological Nursing, xx(x), xx-xx.].

Association of Race/Ethnicity With Hospital Discharge Disposition After Elective Total Knee Arthroplasty

IMPORTANCE

Total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is one of the most common elective procedures performed in adults with end-stage arthritis. Racial disparities in TKA outcomes have been described in the literature.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the association of race/ethnicity with discharge disposition and hospital readmission after elective primary TKA and to assess the association of nonhome discharge disposition with hospital readmission risk.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This retrospective cohort study used data from the Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council Database, a large regional database that included demographic data from all discharges of patients who underwent elective primary TKA in 170 nongovernmental acute care hospitals in Pennsylvania from April 1, 2012, to September 30, 2015. Data analyses were conducted from September 29, 2017, to November 29, 2017.

EXPOSURES

Patient race/ethnicity and discharge disposition.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Discharge disposition and 90-day hospital readmission.

RESULTS

Among 107 768 patients, 7287 (6.8%) were African American, 68 372 (63.4%) were women, 46 420 (43.1%) were younger than 65 years, and 60 636 (56.3%) were insured by Medicare. In multivariable logistic regression, among patients younger than 65 years, African American patients were more likely than white patients to be discharged to inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) (adjusted relative risk ratio [aRRR], 2.49 [95% CI, 1.42-4.36]; P = .001) or a skilled nursing facility (SNF) (aRRR, 3.91 [95% CI, 2.17-7.06]; P < .001) and had higher odds of 90-day hospital readmission (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.30 [95% CI, 1.02-1.67]; P = .04). Compared with white patients 65 years or older, African American patients 65 years or older were more likely to be discharged to SNF (aRRR, 3.30 [95% CI, 1.81-6.02]; P < .001). In both age groups, discharge to an IRF (age <65 years: aOR, 3.62 [95% CI, 2.33-5.64]; P < .001; age ≥65 years: aOR, 2.85 [95% CI, 2.25-3.61]; P < .001) or SNF (age <65 years: aOR, 1.91 [95% CI, 1.37-2.65]; P < .001; age ≥65 years: aOR, 1.55 [95% CI, 1.27-1.89]; P < .001) was associated with higher odds of 90-day readmission.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

This cohort study found that race/ethnicity was associated with higher odds of discharge to an IRF or SNF for postoperative care after primary TKA. Among patients younger than 65 years, African American patients were more likely than white patients to be readmitted to the hospital within 90 days. Discharge to an IRF or SNF for postoperative care and rehabilitation was also associated with a higher risk of readmission to an acute care hospital.

Movement-evoked pain, physical function, and perceived stress: An observational study of ethnic/racial differences in aging non-Hispanic Blacks and non-Hispanic Whites with knee osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a pervasive musculoskeletal condition, often exacerbated by movement-evoked pain (MEP). Despite established research demonstrating significant racial differences in OA pain, few studies have investigated ethnic/racial group differences in MEP and lower extremity function and their association with psychosocial factors, such as perceived stress. Therefore, the primary aims were: (1) to identify ethnic/racial group differences in persons with or at risk for knee OA pain based on MEP, physical performance, and perceived stress measures, and (2) to determine if perceived stress explains the relationship between MEP and function in non-Hispanic Blacks (NHBs) and non-Hispanic Whites (NHWs).

METHODS

A total of 162 NHB and NHW community-dwelling older adults (50-78 years of age) were included in this analysis from the Understanding Pain and Limitations in Osteoarthritic Disease (UPLOAD) cross-sectional cohort study. Demographic, anthropometric, pain and functional parameters were assessed using a battery of validated instruments. Descriptive statistics, parametric, and multivariate analyses were conducted to determine ethnic/racial differences in perceived stress, MEP, and function.

RESULTS

Our results support the hypothesis that among persons with knee OA pain, NHBs have significantly greater MEP and lower functional level, despite similar levels of perceived stress. However, perceived stress was more strongly related to MEP in NHB compared to NHWs. Differences in function were limited to walking speed, where NHWs demonstrated faster gait speed.

CONCLUSIONS

Our cross-sectional study demonstrated important ethnic/racial differences in MEP and function. Also, perceived stress had a stronger effect on MEP in NHBs, suggesting that perceived stress may more strongly influence pain with physical movement among NHB adults. MEP may be a clinically important pain outcome to measure in persons with OA, and these data warrant future research on the impact of stress on pain and functional outcomes in older adults, particularly in NHBs.

At the Intersection of Ethnicity/Race and Poverty: Knee Pain and Physical Function

BACKGROUND

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) disproportionately affects racial and ethnic minorities. Non-Hispanic Blacks (NHB) report a higher prevalence and severity of knee OA symptoms than their non-Hispanic White (NHW) counterparts. The role of poverty in explaining this disparity remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE

The overall aim of this cross-sectional study was to determine whether ethnic/racial differences in knee pain and physical function varied according to poverty status.

DESIGN

NHB and NHW adults with or at risk of knee OA self-reported sociodemographic information, and completed the Western Ontario & McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Annual income was adjusted for number of household occupants to determine poverty status (i.e., living above versus below poverty line).

RESULTS

Findings revealed 120 individuals living above the poverty line (49% NHB, 77% NHW) and 71 individuals living below the poverty line (51% NHB, 23% NHW). Adjusted multivariable models revealed significant ethnic/race by poverty status interactions for knee pain (p = 0.036) and physical function (p = 0.032) on the WOMAC, as well as physical function on the SPPB (p = 0.042). Post hoc contrasts generally revealed that NHW adults living above the poverty line experienced the least severe knee pain and best physical function, while NHB adults living below the poverty line experienced the most severe knee pain and poorest physical function.

CONCLUSIONS

Results of the present study add to the literature by emphasizing the importance of considering poverty and/or other indicators of socioeconomic status in studies examining ethnic/racial disparities in pain and physical function.

Development and validation of risk stratification trees for incident slow gait speed in persons at high risk for knee osteoarthritis

OBJECTIVES

Disability prevention strategies are more achievable before osteoarthritis disease drives impairment. It is critical to identify high-risk groups, for strategy implementation and trial eligibility. An established measure, gait speed is associated with disability and mortality. We sought to develop and validate risk stratification trees for incident slow gait in persons at high risk for knee osteoarthritis, feasible in community and clinical settings.

METHODS

Osteoarthritis Initiative (derivation cohort) and Multicenter Osteoarthritis Study (validation cohort) participants at high risk for knee osteoarthritis were included. Outcome was incident slow gait over up to 10-year follow-up. Derivation cohort classification and regression tree analysis identified predictors from easily assessed variables and developed risk stratification models, then applied to the validation cohort. Logistic regression compared risk group predictive values; area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) summarised discrimination ability.

RESULTS

1870 (derivation) and 1279 (validation) persons were included. The most parsimonious tree identified three risk groups, from stratification based on age and WOMAC Function. A 7-risk-group tree also included education, strenuous sport/recreational activity, obesity and depressive symptoms; outcome occurred in 11%, varying 0%-29 % (derivation) and 2%-23 % (validation) depending on risk group. AUCs were comparable in the two cohorts (7-risk-group tree, 0.75, 95% CI 0.72 to 0.78 (derivation); 0.72, 95% CI 0.68 to 0.76 (validation)).

CONCLUSIONS

In persons at high risk for knee osteoarthritis, easily acquired data can be used to identify those at high risk of incident functional impairment. Outcome risk varied greatly depending on tree-based risk group membership. These trees can inform individual awareness of risk for impaired function and define eligibility for prevention trials.

Race/Ethnicity Moderates the Association Between Psychosocial Resilience and Movement-Evoked Pain in Knee Osteoarthritis

Objective

Racial/ethnic disparities in pain are well‐recognized, with non‐Hispanic blacks (NHBs) experiencing greater pain severity and pain‐related disability than non‐Hispanic whites (NHWs). Although numerous risk factors are posited as contributors to these disparities, there is limited research addressing how resilience differentially influences pain and functioning across race/ethnicity. Therefore, this study examined associations between measures of psychosocial resilience, clinical pain, and functional performance among adults with knee osteoarthritis (OA), and assessed the moderating role of race/ethnicity on these relationships.

Methods

In a secondary analysis of the Understanding Pain and Limitations in Osteoarthritic Disease (UPLOAD‐2) study, 201 individuals with knee OA (NHB = 105, NHW = 96) completed measures of resilience (ie, trait resilience, optimism, positive well‐being, social support, positive affect) and clinical pain, as well as a performance‐based measure assessing lower‐extremity function and movement‐evoked pain.

Results

Bivariate analyses showed that higher levels of psychosocial resilience were associated with lower clinical pain and disability and more optimal physical functioning. NHBs reported greater pain and disability, poorer lower‐extremity function, and higher movement‐evoked pain compared with NHWs; however, measures of psychosocial resilience were similar across race/ethnicity. In moderation analyses, higher optimism and positive well‐being were protective against movement‐evoked pain in NHBs, whereas higher levels of positive affect were associated with greater movement‐evoked pain in NHWs.

Conclusion

Our findings underscore the importance of psychosocial resilience on OA‐related pain and function and highlight the influence of race/ethnicity on the resilience‐pain relationship. Treatments aimed at targeting resilience may help mitigate racial/ethnic disparities in pain.

Racial-Ethnic Differences in Osteoarthritis Pain and Disability: A Meta-Analysis

Osteoarthritis (OA), a leading cause of disability and pain, affects 32.5 million Americans, producing tremendous economic burden. Although some findings suggest that racial/ethnic minorities experience increased OA pain severity, other studies have shown conflicting results. This meta-analysis examined differences in clinical pain severity between African Americans (AAs) and non-Hispanic whites with OA. Articles were initially identified between October 1 and 5, 2016, and updated May 30, 2018, using PubMed, Web of Science, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library Database. Eligibility included English-language peer-reviewed articles comparing clinical pain severity in adult black/AA and non-Hispanic white/Caucasian patients with OA. Nonduplicate article abstracts (N = 1,194) were screened by 4 reviewers, 224 articles underwent full-text review, and 61 articles reported effect sizes of pain severity stratified by race. Forest plots of the standard mean difference showed higher pain severity in AAs for studies using the Western Ontario and McMasters Universities Osteoarthritis Index (0.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.54-0.61) and non-Western Ontario and McMasters Universities Osteoarthritis Index studies (0.35, 95% CI, 0.23-0.47). AAs also showed higher self-reported disability (0.38, 95% CI, 0.22-0.54) and poorer performance testing (-0.58, 95% CI, -0.72 to -0.44). Clinical pain severity and disability in OA is higher among AAs and future studies should explore the reasons for these differences to improve pain management. PERSPECTIVE: This meta-analysis shows that differences exist in clinical pain severity, functional limitations, and poor performance between AAs and non-Hispanic whites with OA. This research may lead to a better understanding of racial/ethnic differences in OA-related pain.

Pain coping skills training for African Americans with osteoarthritis study: baseline participant characteristics and comparison to prior studies

Background

The Pain Coping Skills Training for African Americans with OsteoaRTthritis (STAART) trial is examining the effectiveness of a culturally enhanced pain coping skills training (CST) program for African Americans with osteoarthritis (OA). This disparities-focused trial aimed to reach a population with greater symptom severity and risk factors for poor pain-related outcomes than previous studies. This paper compares characteristics of STAART participants with prior studies of CST or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-informed training in pain coping strategies for OA.

Methods

A literature search identified 10 prior trials of pain CST or CBT-informed pain coping training among individuals with OA. We descriptively compared characteristics of STAART participants with other studies, in 3 domains of the National Institutes of Minority Health and Health Disparities’ Research Framework: Sociocultural Environment (e.g., age, education, marital status), Biological Vulnerability and Mechanisms (e.g, pain and function, body mass index), and Health Behaviors and Coping (e.g., pain catastrophizing). Means and standard deviations (SDs) or proportions were calculated for STAART participants and extracted from published manuscripts for comparator studies.

Results

The mean age of STAART participants, 59 years (SD = 10.3), was lower than 9 of 10 comparator studies; the proportion of individuals with some education beyond high school, 75%, was comparable to comparator studies (61–86%); and the proportion of individuals who are married or living with a partner, 42%, was lower than comparator studies (62–66%). Comparator studies had less than about 1/3 African American participants. Mean scores on the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index pain and function scales were higher (worse) for STAART participants than for other studies, and mean body mass index of STAART participants, 35.2 kg/m² (SD = 8.2), was higher than all other studies (30–34 kg/m²). STAART participants’ mean score on the Pain Catastrophizing scale, 19.8 (SD = 12.3), was higher (worse) than other studies reporting this measure (7–17).

Conclusions

Compared with prior studies with predominantly white samples, STAART participants have worse pain and function and more risk factors for negative pain-related outcomes across several domains. Given STAART participants’ high mean pain catastrophizing scores, this sample may particularly benefit from the CST intervention approach.

Trial registration

NCT02560922

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s12891-018-2249-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Effect of a Positive Psychological Intervention on Pain and Functional Difficulty Among Adults With Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

Positive psychological interventions for improving health have received increasing attention recently. Evidence on the impact of such interventions on pain, and racial disparities in pain, is limited.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the effects of a positive psychological intervention on pain and functional difficulty in veterans with knee osteoarthritis.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

The Staying Positive With Arthritis Study is a large, double-blinded randomized clinical trial powered to detect race differences in self-reported pain in response to a positive psychological intervention compared with a neutral control intervention. Data were collected from 2 urban Veterans Affairs medical centers. Participants included non-Hispanic white and non-Hispanic African American patients aged 50 years or older with a diagnosis of osteoarthritis. Mailings were sent to 5111 patients meeting these criteria, of whom 839 were fully screened, 488 were eligible, and 360 were randomized. Enrollment lasted from July 8, 2015, to February 1, 2017, with follow-up through September 6, 2017.

INTERVENTIONS

The intervention comprised a 6-week series of evidence-based activities to build positive psychological skills (eg, gratitude and kindness). The control program comprised similarly structured neutral activities. Programs were delivered via workbook and weekly telephone calls with interventionists.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcomes were self-reported pain and functional difficulty measured using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC; range 0-100). Secondary outcomes included affect balance and life satisfaction.

RESULTS

The sample included 180 non-Hispanic white patients and 180 non-Hispanic African American patients (mean [SD] age, 64.2 [8.8] years; 76.4% were male). Mean (SD) baseline scores for WOMAC pain and functional difficulty were 48.8 (17.6) and 46.8 (18.1), respectively. Although both decreased significantly over time (pain: χ23 = 49.50, P < .001; functional difficulty: χ23 = 22.11, P < .001), differences were small and did not vary by treatment group or race. Exploratory analyses suggested that the intervention had counterintuitive effects on secondary outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

The results of this randomized clinical trial do not support the use of positive psychological interventions as a stand-alone treatment for pain among white or African American veterans with knee osteoarthritis. Adaptations are needed to identify intervention components that resonate with this population, and the additive effect of incorporating positive psychological interventions into more comprehensive pain treatment regimens should be considered.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02223858.

Part II: Temporomandibular Joint (TMJ)-Regeneration, Degeneration, and Adaptation

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Elucidate temporomandibular joint (TMJ) development and pathophysiology relative to regeneration, degeneration, and adaption.

RECENT FINDINGS

The pharyngeal arch produces a highly conserved stomatognathic system that supports airway and masticatory function. An induced subperiosteal layer of fibrocartilage cushions TMJ functional and parafunctional loads. If the fibrocartilage disc is present, a fractured mandibular condyle (MC) regenerates near the eminence of the fossa via a blastema emanating from the medial periosteal surface of the ramus. TMJ degenerative joint disease (DJD) is a relatively painless osteoarthrosis, resulting in extensive sclerosis, disc destruction, and lytic lesions. Facial form and symmetry may be affected, but the residual bone is vital because distraction continues to lengthen the MC with anabolic bone modeling. Extensive TMJ adaptive, healing, and regenerative potential maintains optimal, life support functions over a lifetime. Unique aspects of TMJ development, function, and pathophysiology may be useful for innovative management of other joints.

Egr-1 increases angiogenesis in cartilage via binding Netrin-1 receptor DCC promoter

Background

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a joint disease characterized by degradation of cartilage. The etiology of OA is still unclear. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a key role of angiogenesis in the pathogenesis of OA and contributes to the angiogenesis of NT-1/DCC. Whether or not NT-1/DCC and VEGF interact in regulating angiogenesis of OA cartilage is not known.

Methods

Histological studies for CD34, VEGF, and safranin-O staining were performed to determine angiogenesis and cartilage tissue injury. ELISA indicated the level of pro-inflammation cytokines. Immunoblotting, immunoprecipitation, and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) were performed to assay the expression and function of NT-1/DCC-VEGF signaling pathway.

Results

Our data indicated that VEGF expression was increased in cartilage tissue from OA rats, while the chondrocytes were disorganized, and cartilage degeneration was increasing in OA rats. The inflammation factors in articular cavity fluid were higher in the OA rats than in the sham. The protein expression of NT-1, DCC, and VEGF were increased in osteoarthritic cartilage. DCC was involved in the positive regulation of osteoarthritic angiogenesis by VEGF. Egr-1 expression was higher in OA rats than in sham rats. Egr-1 is a regulator of DCC promoter activity, and the binding is higher in OA rats than in sham rats.

Conclusion

Our present study provides a mechanism by which Egr-1 induced angiogenesis via NT-1/DCC-VEGF pathway.