Effect of a low-intensity, self-management lifestyle intervention on knee pain in community-based young to middle-aged rural women: a cluster randomised controlled trial

Development and Use of Mobile Messaging for Individuals With Musculoskeletal Pain Conditions: Scoping Review

BACKGROUND

Population studies show that musculoskeletal conditions are a leading contributor to the total burden of healthy life lost, second only to cancer and with a similar burden to cardiovascular disease. Prioritizing the delivery of effective treatments is necessary, and with the ubiquity of consumer smart devices, the use of digital health interventions is increasing. Messaging is popular and easy to use and has been studied for a range of health-related uses, including health promotion, encouragement of behavior change, and monitoring of disease progression. It may have a useful role to play in the management and self-management of musculoskeletal conditions.

OBJECTIVE

Previous reviews on the use of messaging for people with musculoskeletal conditions have focused on synthesizing evidence of effectiveness from randomized controlled trials. In this review, our objective was to map the musculoskeletal messaging literature more broadly to identify information that may inform the design of future messaging interventions and summarize the current evidence of efficacy, effectiveness, and economics.

METHODS

Following a prepublished protocol developed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Manual for Evidence Synthesis, we conducted a comprehensive scoping review of the literature (2010-2022; sources: PubMed, CINAHL, Embase, and PsycINFO) related to SMS text messaging and app-based messaging for people with musculoskeletal conditions. We described our findings using tables, plots, and a narrative summary.

RESULTS

We identified a total of 8328 papers for screening, of which 50 (0.6%) were included in this review (3/50, 6% previous reviews and 47/50, 94% papers describing 40 primary studies). Rheumatic diseases accounted for the largest proportion of the included primary studies (19/40, 48%), followed by studies on multiple musculoskeletal conditions or pain sites (10/40, 25%), back pain (9/40, 23%), neck pain (1/40, 3%), and "other" (1/40, 3%). Most studies (33/40, 83%) described interventions intended to promote positive behavior change, typically by encouraging increased physical activity and exercise. The studies evaluated a range of outcomes, including pain, function, quality of life, and medication adherence. Overall, the results either favored messaging interventions or had equivocal outcomes. While the theoretical underpinnings of the interventions were generally well described, only 4% (2/47) of the papers provided comprehensive descriptions of the messaging intervention design and development process. We found no relevant economic evaluations.

CONCLUSIONS

Messaging has been used for the care and self-management of a range of musculoskeletal conditions with generally favorable outcomes reported. However, with few exceptions, design considerations are poorly described in the literature. Further work is needed to understand and disseminate information about messaging content and message delivery characteristics, such as timing and frequency specifically for people with musculoskeletal conditions. Similarly, further work is needed to understand the economic effects of messaging and practical considerations related to implementation and sustainability.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

RR2-10.1136/bmjopen-2021-048964.

EULAR recommendations for the non-pharmacological core management of hip and knee osteoarthritis: 2023 update

INTRODUCTION

Hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA) are increasingly common with a significant impact on individuals and society. Non-pharmacological treatments are considered essential to reduce pain and improve function and quality of life. EULAR recommendations for the non-pharmacological core management of hip and knee OA were published in 2013. Given the large number of subsequent studies, an update is needed.

METHODS

The Standardised Operating Procedures for EULAR recommendations were followed. A multidisciplinary Task Force with 25 members representing 14 European countries was established. The Task Force agreed on an updated search strategy of 11 research questions. The systematic literature review encompassed dates from 1 January 2012 to 27 May 2022. Retrieved evidence was discussed, updated recommendations were formulated, and research and educational agendas were developed.

RESULTS

The revised recommendations include two overarching principles and eight evidence-based recommendations including (1) an individualised, multicomponent management plan; (2) information, education and self-management; (3) exercise with adequate tailoring of dosage and progression; (4) mode of exercise delivery; (5) maintenance of healthy weight and weight loss; (6) footwear, walking aids and assistive devices; (7) work-related advice and (8) behaviour change techniques to improve lifestyle. The mean level of agreement on the recommendations ranged between 9.2 and 9.8 (0-10 scale, 10=total agreement). The research agenda highlighted areas related to these interventions including adherence, uptake and impact on work.

CONCLUSIONS

The 2023 updated recommendations were formulated based on research evidence and expert opinion to guide the optimal management of hip and knee OA.

Rehabilitation Applications Based on Behavioral Therapy for People With Knee Osteoarthritis: Systematic Review

BACKGROUND

The development of digital applications based on behavioral therapies to support patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) has attracted increasing attention in the field of rehabilitation. This paper presents a systematic review of research on digital applications based on behavioral therapies for people with KOA.

OBJECTIVE

This review aims to describe the characteristics of relevant digital applications, with a special focus on the current state of behavioral therapies, digital interaction technologies, and user participation in design. The secondary aim is to summarize intervention outcomes and user evaluations of digital applications.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted using the keywords "Knee Osteoarthritis," "Behavior Therapy," and "Digitization" in the following databases (from January 2013 to July 2023): Web of Science, Embase, Science Direct, Ovid, and PubMed. The Mixed Methods Assessment Tool (MMAT) was used to assess the quality of evidence. Two researchers independently screened and extracted the data.

RESULTS

A total of 36 studies met the inclusion criteria and were further analyzed. Behavioral change techniques (BCTs) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) were frequently combined when developing digital applications. The most prevalent areas were goals and planning (n=31) and repetition and substitution (n=27), which were frequently used to develop physical activity (PA) goals and adherence. The most prevalent combination strategy was app/website plus SMS text message/telephone/email (n=12), which has tremendous potential. This area of application design offers notable advantages, primarily manifesting in pain mitigation (n=24), reduction of physical dysfunction (n=21), and augmentation of PA levels (n=12). Additionally, when formulating design strategies, it is imperative to consider the perspectives of stakeholders, especially in response to the identified shortcomings in application design elucidated within the study.

CONCLUSIONS

The results demonstrate that "goals and planning" and "repetition and substitution" are frequently used to develop PA goals and PA behavior adherence. The most prevalent combination strategy was app/website plus SMS text message/telephone/email, which has tremendous potential. Moreover, incorporating several stakeholders in the design and development stages might enhance user experience, considering the distinct variations in their requirements. To improve the efficacy and availability of digital applications, we have several proposals. First, comprehensive care for patients should be ensured by integrating multiple behavioral therapies that encompass various aspects of the rehabilitation process, such as rehabilitation exercises and status monitoring. Second, therapists could benefit from more precise recommendations by incorporating additional intelligent algorithms to analyze patient data. Third, the implementation scope should be expanded from the home environment to a broader social community rehabilitation setting.

Healthy rural hearts: The feasibility of a telehealth nutrition randomised controlled trial for rural people at risk of cardiovascular disease

INTRODUCTION

Improving dietary patterns using medical nutrition therapy delivered via telehealth could make an effective contribution to reducing cardiovascular disease burden in rural Australia. However, it is important that medical nutrition therapy programmes are developed in collaboration with rural stakeholders, to increase feasibility for the rural context and the likelihood of successful implementation. The aim of this study was to evaluate the preliminary feasibility outcomes of integration (implementation), practicality, acceptability, demand, and preliminary effectiveness at the 3-month timepoint of the Healthy Rural Hearts randomised control trial.

METHODS

Feasibility measures were collected from participants in the Healthy Rural Hearts medical nutrition therapy trial. Study participants were patients from eligible primary care practices who had been assessed by their general practitioner as being at moderate to high risk of developing cardiovascular disease in the next five years. The sample in this analysis includes those who had completed the first 3-months of the study. Feasibility outcomes were measured over the first 3-months of the trial intervention. A process evaluation survey was used to collect measures relating to intervention implementation, practicality, acceptability, and demand. Completion rates of the Australian Eating Survey Heart version, Personalised Nutrition Questionnaire, pathology tests and telehealth medical nutrition therapy consultations delivered by Accredited Practising Dietitians were also used to measure intervention practicality. Preliminary effectiveness was evaluated by comparing the intervention group's dietary change, measured using Australian Eating Survey Heart with data from the control group.

RESULTS

A total of 105 participants (75 intervention, 30 control participants) were eligible for inclusion in analysis. Attendance rates at the first 3-months of dietitian consultations ranged from 94.7% to 89.3% between the first and 3-month consultations, and most participants were able to complete the Australian Eating Survey Heart and Personalised Nutrition Questionnaire prior to their initial consultation [Australian Eating Survey Heart (n = 57, 76%) and Personalised Nutrition Questionnaire (n = 61, 81.3%)] and the Australian Eating Survey Heart prior to their 3-month consultation (n = 52, 69.3%). Of the participants who completed a pathology test at the 3-month time-point (n = 54, 72%), less than half were able to do so prior to their dietitian consultation (n = 35, 46.7%). Of the 75 intervention participants, 28 (37.3%) completed the process evaluation survey. Intervention participants ranked acceptability of the Healthy Rural Hearts intervention highly (mean rank out of 10 = 9.5, SD 1.9), but provided mixed responses on whether they would access the intervention outside of the study (mean rank out of 10 = 6.0, SD 3.5). There were statistically significant increases in percentage total energy intake derived from nutrient-dense core foods compared to the control group (p ≤ 0.05).

DISCUSSION

The positive findings related to acceptability and implementation outcomes suggest that the Healthy Rural Hearts intervention was acceptable, practical, and able to be implemented within this population living in rural NSW. This, combined with the small to medium effect size in the proportion of total energy derived from nutrient-dense core foods compared to the control group indicates that long-term intervention effectiveness on other cardiovascular disease outcomes is important to evaluate in the future.

Health coaching improves physical activity, disability and pain in adults with chronic non-cancer pain: a systematic review

QUESTION

What is the effect of health coaching on physical activity, disability, pain and quality of life compared with a non-active control in adults with chronic non-cancer pain?

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Evidence was synthesised as standardised mean differences with 95% confidence intervals using random-effects models. Risk of bias was assessed using the revised Cochrane risk of bias tool. Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) was used to determine evidence certainty.

DATA SOURCES

MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, CINAHL, Scopus and PEDro were searched from inception to November 2023.

PARTICIPANTS

Adults with chronic non-cancer pain.

INTERVENTION

Health coaching to increase physical activity.

OUTCOME MEASURES

Measures of physical activity, disability, pain and quality of life.

RESULTS

Twenty-six randomised trials (n = 4,403) were included. Trials had moderate to high risk of bias. Health coaching had a trivial to small effect on improving physical activity compared with control (15 trials; SMD 0.21, 95% CI 0.07 to 0.35; low certainty evidence). Health coaching had a small effect on improving disability (19 trials; SMD 0.25, 95% CI 0.17 to 0.32; moderate certainty evidence) and pain (19 trials; SMD 0.31, 95% CI 0.18 to 0.43; very low certainty evidence) compared with control. The effect of health coaching on quality of life was unclear due to significant imprecision in the effect estimate (five trials; SMD 0.19, 95% CI -0.14 to 0.53; moderate certainty evidence).

CONCLUSION

Health coaching promotes a trivial to small improvement in physical activity and small improvements in disability and pain in adults with chronic non-cancer pain. The effect of health coaching on quality of life remains unclear.

REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42020182740.

Association of Life's Essential 8 with osteoarthritis in United States adults: mediating effects of dietary intake of live microbes

Objective

Osteoarthritis (OA) is associated with cardiovascular disease and represents a persistent economic and physical burden on patients in the United States. This study evaluated the mediating effect of dietary live microbe intake on the association between cardiovascular health [based on Life's Essential 8 (LE8) scores] and osteoarthritis (OA) in adults.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999-2019 (from patients aged ≥20 years). LE8 scores (0-100) were measured according to the American Heart Association definition and categorized as low (0-49), moderate (50-79), or high (80-100). OA disease status was assessed using self-reported data from patients. The relationships were evaluated using multivariate logistic and restricted cubic spline models. Mediation analysis was used to evaluate the mediating effect of dietary live microbe intake on the association between LE8 and OA risk.

Results

The study included 23,213 participants aged ≥20 years. After adjusting for latent confounders, higher LE8 scores were found to be associated with a lower incidence of OA. The odds ratios (with 95% confidence intervals) for low, moderate, and high OA risk were 0.81 (0.69, 0.96) and 0.55 (0.44, 0.69), respectively; a non-linear dose-response relationship was observed (P-nonlinear = 0.012). Health behavior and health factor scores showed a similar pattern of correlation with OA risk. Low live microbe intake mediated the association between LE8, health behavior, and health factor scores with OA risk and did not appear to reduce OA risk.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that although higher LE8 scores reduce the risk of developing OA, low live microbe intake may reduce the protective effect of higher scores. It is, therefore, essential to emphasize adherence to a lifestyle that confers high LE8 scores. Individuals should also be advised to reduce the intake of foods with low live microbe content.

Metformin for knee osteoarthritis with obesity: study protocol for a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Over half of the populations with knee osteoarthritis (OA) have obesity. These individuals have many other shared metabolic risk factors. Metformin is a safe, inexpensive, well-tolerated drug that has pleiotropic effects, including structural protection, anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects in OA, specifically the knee. The aim of this randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial is to determine whether metformin reduces knee pain over 6 months in individuals with symptomatic knee OA who are overweight or obese.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

One hundred and two participants with symptomatic knee OA and overweight or obesity will be recruited from the community in Melbourne, Australia, and randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to receive either metformin 2 g or identical placebo daily for 6 months. The primary outcome is reduction of knee pain [assessed by 100 mm Visual Analogue Scale (VAS)] at 6 months. The secondary outcomes are OMERACT-OARSI (Outcome Measures in Rheumatology-Osteoarthritis Research Society International) responder criteria [Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain, function and participant's global assessment (VAS)] at 6 months; change in knee pain, stiffness, function using WOMAC at 6 months and quality of life at 6 months. Adverse events will be recorded. The primary analysis will be by intention to treat, including all participants in their randomised groups.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethics approval has been obtained from the Alfred Hospital Ethics Committee (708/20) and Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee (28498). Written informed consent will be obtained from all the participants. The findings will be disseminated through peer-review publications and conference presentations.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ACTRN12621000710820 .

Our biology working against us in obesity: A narrative review on implications for management of osteoarthritis

Obesity is the major modifiable risk factor for osteoarthritis (OA). A major focus of management in OA is weight loss. Although we live in an obesogenic environment, obesity has a predominantly genetic and epigenetic basis. This explains a person's weight set point which is defended by biological mechanisms making weight loss difficult to achieve and maintain long term, regardless of the methods used. Significant weight regain occurs after weight loss, with weight tending to return to pre-treatment levels after cessation of interventions including the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists. An area that has received little attention is the slow, insidious weight creep of 0.5-1 kg/year over adulthood that sees individuals relentlessly increase weight. There is evidence that low intensity, personalised lifestyle interventions can prevent this weight creep, providing patients with achievable goals. In this narrative review, we examine the evidence for weight loss in OA, the biological mechanisms that make weight loss difficult to achieve and maintain and the potential negative impacts on patients. We review the evidence for preventing weight gain, the improvement in patient outcomes and the potential for significant healthcare savings through reduced knee replacements. We propose a combined approach of weight loss when indicated, together with targeting weight creep across adult years and the potential role of metformin. Implementing these combined approaches is likely to be more effective in improving patient related outcomes, reducing joint damage and healthcare costs, than our current focus on achieving weight loss in OA.

Delivery of telehealth nutrition and physical activity interventions to adults living in rural areas: a scoping review

BACKGROUND

Lifestyle behaviours related to smoking, alcohol, nutrition, and physical activity are leading risk factors for the development of chronic disease. For people in rural areas, access to individualised lifestyle services targeting behaviour change may be improved by using telehealth. However, the scope of literature investigating telehealth lifestyle behaviour change interventions for rural populations is unknown, making it difficult to ascertain whether telehealth interventions require adaptation for rural context via a systematic review. This scoping review aimed to address this gap, by mapping existing literature describing telehealth lifestyle interventions delivered to rural populations to determine if there is scope for systematic review of intervention effectiveness in this research topic.

METHODS

The PRISMA extension for scoping review checklist guided the processes of this scoping review. A search of eight electronic databases reported in English language until June 2023 was conducted. Eligible studies included adults (18 years and over), who lived in rural areas of high-income countries and undertook at least one synchronous (video or phone consultation) telehealth intervention that addressed either addictive (smoking or alcohol), or non-addictive lifestyle behaviours (nutrition or physical activity). Studies targeting addictive and non-addictive behaviours were separated after full text screening to account for the involvement of addictive substances in smoking and alcohol studies that may impact behaviour change interventions described. Studies targeting nutrition and/or physical activity interventions are presented here.

RESULTS

The search strategy identified 17179 citations across eight databases, with 7440 unique citations once duplicates were removed. Full texts for 492 citations were retrieved and screened for inclusion with 85 publications reporting on 73 studies eligible for data extraction and analysis. Of this, addictive behaviours were comprised of 15 publications from 13 studies. Non-addictive behaviours included 70 publications from 58 studies and are reported here. Most interventions were delivered within the United States of America (n = 43, 74.1%). The most common study design reported was Randomised Control Trial (n = 27, 46.6%). Included studies involved synchronous telehealth interventions targeting nutrition (11, 18.9%), physical activity (5, 8.6%) or nutrition and physical activity (41, 70.7%) and were delivered predominately via videoconference (n = 17, 29.3%).

CONCLUSIONS

Despite differences in intervention characteristics, the number of randomised control trials published suggests sufficient scope for future systematic reviews to determine intervention effectiveness related to nutrition and physical activity telehealth interventions for rural populations.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The scoping review protocol was not pre-registered.

Research objectives and general considerations for pragmatic clinical trials of pain treatments: IMMPACT statement

ABSTRACT

Many questions regarding the clinical management of people experiencing pain and related health policy decision-making may best be answered by pragmatic controlled trials. To generate clinically relevant and widely applicable findings, such trials aim to reproduce elements of routine clinical care or are embedded within clinical workflows. In contrast with traditional efficacy trials, pragmatic trials are intended to address a broader set of external validity questions critical for stakeholders (clinicians, healthcare leaders, policymakers, insurers, and patients) in considering the adoption and use of evidence-based treatments in daily clinical care. This article summarizes methodological considerations for pragmatic trials, mainly concerning methods of fundamental importance to the internal validity of trials. The relationship between these methods and common pragmatic trials methods and goals is considered, recognizing that the resulting trial designs are highly dependent on the specific research question under investigation. The basis of this statement was an Initiative on Methods, Measurement, and Pain Assessment in Clinical Trials (IMMPACT) systematic review of methods and a consensus meeting. The meeting was organized by the Analgesic, Anesthetic, and Addiction Clinical Trial Translations, Innovations, Opportunities, and Networks (ACTTION) public-private partnership. The consensus process was informed by expert presentations, panel and consensus discussions, and a preparatory systematic review. In the context of pragmatic trials of pain treatments, we present fundamental considerations for the planning phase of pragmatic trials, including the specification of trial objectives, the selection of adequate designs, and methods to enhance internal validity while maintaining the ability to answer pragmatic research questions.

Trajectories of body mass index from early adulthood to late midlife and incidence of total knee arthroplasty for osteoarthritis: findings from a prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVE

To examine the association between body mass index (BMI) trajectories from early adulthood to late midlife and risk of total knee arthroplasty (TKA) for osteoarthritis.

METHODS

24,368 participants from the Melbourne Collaborative Cohort Study with weight collected during 1990-1994, 1995-1998, and 2003-2007, recalled weight at age 18-21 years, and height measured during 1990-1994 were included. Incident TKA from 2003 to 2007 to December 2018 was determined by linking cohort records to the National Joint Replacement Registry.

RESULTS

Using group-based trajectory modelling, six distinct trajectories (TR) of BMI from early adulthood (age 18-21 years) to late midlife (approximately 62 years) were identified: lower normal to normal BMI (TR1; 19.7% population), normal BMI to borderline overweight (TR2; 36.7%), normal BMI to overweight (TR3; 26.8%), overweight to borderline obese (TR4; 3.5%), normal BMI to class 1 obesity (TR5; 10.1%), overweight to class 2 obesity (TR6; 3.2%). Over 12.4 years, 1,328 (5.4%) had TKA. The hazard ratios for TKA increased in all TR compared to TR1 [from TR2: 2.03 (95% CI 1.64-2.52) to TR6: 8.59 (6.44-11.46)]. 28.4% of TKA could be prevented if individuals followed the trajectory one lower, an average weight reduction of 8-12 kg from early adulthood to late midlife, saving $AUS 373 million/year. Most reduction would occur in TR2 (population attributable fraction 37.9%, 95% CI 26.7-47.3%) and TR3 (26.8%, 20.0-31.2%).

CONCLUSIONS

Prevention of weight gain from young adulthood to late midlife in order to reduce overweight/obesity has the potential to significantly reduce the cost and burden of TKA.

Effect of IoT-based power cycling and quadriceps training on pain and function in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A randomized controlled trial protocol

BACKGROUND

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a chronic musculoskeletal disease affecting the entire joint. Exercise therapy is the core treatment plan for non-surgical treatment of KOA, and tele-rehabilitation is also applied to KOA, but there is a lack of research on the comparison of pain and function recovery between different exercise methods combined Internet respectively. The study aims to compare the effects of power cycling and quadriceps training combined with online guidance separately on KOA mitigation of pain, recovery of function, quality of life, and adherence of participants in the community, compared to the control group.

METHODS

This study is a single-blind, 12-week parallel randomized controlled trial. Seventy-two participants aged ≥ 50 years with KOA will be randomized into either the power cycling group, the quadriceps group or the control group. The intervention will be performed three times per week during 12 weeks. Outcome measures will be assessed at baseline, and at 4, 8, and 12 weeks after allocation. The primary outcome will be self-reported pain, assessed with the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain subscale. Secondary outcomes will include mitigation of knee pain, quality of life, improvement of functional physical performance, adherence of participants.

DISCUSSION

By summarizing the study's strengths and limitations, this trial results may guide tele-rehabilitation of KOA in the community.Trial registration: The study was registered in the clinical trial registry ChiCTR2200059255, 27/04/2022.

Avoiding nocebo and other undesirable effects in chiropractic, osteopathy and physiotherapy: An invitation to reflect

INTRODUCTION

While the placebo effect is increasingly recognised as a contributor to treatment effects in clinical practice, the nocebo and other undesirable effects are less well explored and likely underestimated. In the chiropractic, osteopathy and physiotherapy professions, some aspects of historical models of care may arguably increase the risk of nocebo effects.

PURPOSE

In this masterclass article, clinicians, researchers, and educators are invited to reflect on such possibilities, in an attempt to stimulate research and raise awareness for the mitigation of such undesirable effects.

IMPLICATIONS

This masterclass briefly introduces the nocebo effect and its underlying mechanisms. It then traces the historical development of chiropractic, osteopathy, and physiotherapy, arguing that there was and continues to be an excessive focus on the patient's body. Next, aspects of clinical practice, including communication, the therapeutic relationship, clinical rituals, and the wider social and economic context of practice are examined for their potential to generate nocebo and other undesirable effects. To aid reflection, a model to reflect on clinical practice and individual professions through the 'prism' of nocebo and other undesirable effects is introduced and illustrated. Finally, steps are proposed for how researchers, educators, and practitioners can maximise positive and minimise negative clinical context.

Association between arthritis and cardiovascular risk factors in community-based adults: an opportunity to target cardiovascular risk

Background

Undertreated risk factors are major contributors to the burden of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Those with arthritis have an increased prevalence of CVD risk factors. CVD risk factors are often asymptomatic, which may be a barrier their treatment. Arthritis causes pain and immobility, and is a common reason for individuals to seek healthcare. Our aims were to (1) examine the relationship between arthritis and CVD risk factors in Australian adults, and (2) calculate the proportion of CVD risk factors that could be reduced if individuals with arthritis were targeted.

Methods

This cross-sectional study uses data from the 2017–18 Australian National Health Survey which included 13,776 participants, categorised into young (18–39 years), middle aged (40–64 years) and older (≥ 65 years) adults. Hypertension, height and weight were measured. Arthritis, dyslipidemia and diabetes were self-reported. The associations between arthritis and CVD risk factors were examined using logistic regression, and the population attributable fraction (PAF) of arthritis for each CVD risk factor was calculated.

Results

Arthritis was reported by 4.0% of young adults, 28.8% of middle-aged adults and 54.5% of older adults. Those with arthritis were at increased odds of obesity (2.07 fold in young, 1.75 fold in middle-aged and 1.89 fold in older adults), increased odds of diabetes (5.70 fold in young, 1.64 fold in middle-aged and 1.37 fold in older adults), increased odds of hypertension (2.72 fold in young, 1.78 fold in middle-aged and 1.48 fold in older adults) and an increased odds of dyslipidaemia (4.64 fold in young, 2.14 fold in middle-aged and 1.22 fold in older adults) compared to those without arthritis. This elevated chance remained significant even after adjusting for obesity, with the exception of diabetes in the older population. This elevated chance remained significant even after adjusting for obesity, with the exception of diabetes in the older population. The PAF of the presence of arthritis for having at least one CVD risk factor was 30.7% in middle-aged adults and 70.4% in older adults.

Conclusion

Australian adults of all ages with arthritis are at increased odds of having CVD risk factors. For young and middle-aged adults, this increased odds remains significant even when adjusted for obesity. Presentation to healthcare practitioners with arthritis is an opportunity to screen for asymptomatic CVD risk factors with the potential of improving outcomes for both diseases. By adopting an approach of managing arthritis and CVD risk factors in parallel, rather than in silos, we could reduce the burden of CVD risk factors by 20–30%.

Self-Management for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Background

Knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a high incidence chronic joint disease that seriously affects patients' quality of life, and current treatment methods have limited efficacy. Self-management may be an effective strategy for KOA, and clinicians have been showing increased interest recently. However, the effectiveness of self-management for KOA remains controversial.

Purpose

This study aims to systematically evaluate the effectiveness of self-management for KOA.

Methods

We screened articles published in MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, and Web of Science until September 17, 2021. The main outcomes included pain, knee function, stiffness, WOMAC (total), physical function, arthritis self-efficacy (ASE-pain), arthritis self-efficacy (ASE-other symptoms), mental health, and quality of life.

Results

Thirteen randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were finally included (n = 1610). Meta-analysis showed differences in pain, knee function, stiffness, ASE-pain, ASE-other symptoms, mental health, and quality of life between the self-management and control groups. Of the nine outcomes evaluated, four were highly heterogeneous, and the quality of evidence ranged from very low to moderate.

Conclusion

The meta-analysis results showed that self-management might help improve the pain, knee function, stiffness, ASE, mental health, and quality of life in patients with KOA. However, it has no significant effect on WOMAC (total) and physical function. Considering that this study has some limitations, we cannot draw clear conclusions based on the results of this study. Nevertheless, we offer much needed insight and encourage more rigorously designed and implemented RCTs in the future to substantiate our conclusions.

Pragmatic trials of pain therapies: a systematic review of methods

ABSTRACT

Pragmatic randomised clinical trials aim to directly inform clinical or health policy decision making. Here, we systematically review methods and design of pragmatic trials of pain therapies to examine methods, identify common challenges, and areas for improvement. Seven databases were searched for pragmatic randomised controlled clinical trials that assessed pain treatment in a clinical population of adults reporting pain. All screening steps and data extractions were performed twice. Data were synthesised descriptively, and correlation analyses between prespecified trial features and PRECIS-2 (PRagmatic-Explanatory Continuum Indicator Summary 2) ratings and attrition were performed. Protocol registration: PROSPERO-ID CRD42020178954. Of 57 included trials, only 21% assessed pharmacological interventions, the remainder physical, surgical, psychological, or self-management pain therapies. Three-quarters of the trials were comparative effectiveness designs, often conducted in multiple centres (median: 5; Q1/3: 1, 9.25) and with a median sample size of 234 patients at randomization (Q1/3: 135.5; 363.5). Although most trials recruited patients with chronic pain, reporting of pain duration was poor and not well described. Reporting was comprehensive for most general items, while often deficient for specific pragmatic aspects. Average ratings for pragmatism were highest for treatment adherence flexibility and clinical relevance of outcome measures. They were lowest for patient recruitment methods and extent of follow-up measurements and appointments. Current practice in pragmatic trials of pain treatments can be improved in areas such as patient recruitment and reporting of methods, analysis, and interpretation of data. These improvements will facilitate translatability to other real-world settings-the purpose of pragmatic trials.

Development and use of mobile messaging for individuals with musculoskeletal pain conditions: a scoping review protocol

INTRODUCTION

Previous reviews of mobile messaging for individuals with musculoskeletal pain have shown positive effects on pain and disability. However, the configuration of digital content, method of presentation and interaction, dose and frequency needed for optimal results remain unclear. Patient preferences concerning such systems are also unclear. Addressing these knowledge gaps, incorporating evidence from both experimental and observational studies, may be useful to understand the extent of the relevant literature, and to influence the design and outcomes of future messaging systems. We aim to map information that could be influential in the design of future mobile messaging systems for individuals with musculoskeletal pain conditions, and to summarise the findings of efficacy, effectiveness, and economics derived from both experimental and observational studies.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We will include studies describing the development and/or use of mobile messaging to support adults (≥18 years) with acute or chronic musculoskeletal pain. We will exclude digital health studies that lack a mobile messaging component, or those targeted at other health conditions unrelated to the bones, muscles and connective tissues, or involving surgical or patients with cancer, or studies involving solely healthy individuals. Our sources of information will be online databases and reference lists of relevant papers. We will include papers published in English in the last 10 years. Two pairs of independent reviewers will screen, select and extract the data, with any disagreements mediated by a third reviewer. We will report the results according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews checklist. We will synthesise the findings in a tabular format and provide a descriptive summary.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Formal ethical approval is not required. We will disseminate the findings through publication in a peer-reviewed journal, relevant conferences, and relevant consumer forums.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Open Science Framework https://osf.io/8mzya; DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/8MZYA.