Health, Psychological and Demographic Predictors of Depression in People with Fibromyalgia and Osteoarthritis

The Effect of Reiki on Pain, Functional Status, and Holistic Well-Being in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disease that causes pain and adversely affects functional status and holistic well-being. This randomized controlled trial investigated the effect of Reiki on pain, functional status, and holistic well-being in patients with knee OA. The sample consisted of 42 patients. The control group received standardized treatment only, whereas the intervention group received face-to-face Reiki (nine positions; 39 minutes) and distance Reiki on two consecutive days in addition to standardized treatment. The Reiki group had lower pain scores than the control group as measured by the Visual Analog Scale (p < .001) and the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis Index pain score (p < .001). Those participating in the Reiki group had improved holistic well-being scores specifically for the subscales of Sadness, Perception of Sadness, Spiritual Disruption, Cognitive Awareness, and General mood. Reiki is a safe, noninvasive, and cost-effective alternative treatment technique that has the potential to reduce symptoms of pain and improve holistic well-being in patients with knee OA.

Prevalence and Predictors of Depression in Women with Osteoarthritis: Cross-Sectional Analysis of Nationally Representative Survey Data

Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common joint disease in the US and can increase the risk of depression. Both depression and OA disproportionately affect women, yet this study is one of few on depression prevalence, treatment across age groups, and predictors in women with OA. Data were extracted from the 2011-March 2020 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Women aged ≥ 45 years with self-reported osteo- or degenerative arthritis were included. Outcomes were depression (assessed with PHQ-9) and treatment (self-reported pharmacotherapy and mental health services). Logistic regression was used to examine associations between age group, covariates, and outcomes. Overall, depression prevalence was 8%, with higher proportions among those 45-64 years old. Aging was associated with reduced odds of depression (Age 65-79: OR 0.68 (95% CI: 0.52-0.89); Age 80+: OR 0.49 (95% CI: 0.33-0.74); vs. Age 45-54). Of those with a positive depression screen, 21.6% documented some form of treatment. Age group was not statistically different between those treated and those not treated. Women aged 45-64 with osteoarthritis may be at increased risk of depression, and most are not treated. As depression is related to increased pain and risk of rehospitalization, future research should prioritize interventions to increase uptake of depression treatment.

Physical activity correlates in people with fibromyalgia: a systematic review

PURPOSE

Understanding the enablers of and barriers to physical activity (PA) participation in people with fibromyalgia (PwF) is an essential first step to developing effective PA interventions. This systematic review examined correlates of PA across the socio-ecological model (i.e., intra-personal, inter-personal, environmental, and policy level) in PwF.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

PubMed, Embase, and CINAHL were searched from inception until 12 July 2022. Keywords included "physical activity" or "exercise" and "fibromyalgia" or "fibrositis." Summary coding was used to quantify the PA correlates.

RESULTS

Out of 74 PA correlates retrieved from 39 articles (n = 9426), co-morbid depression and higher pain intensity were found to be consistent (i.e., reported in four or more articles) barriers to PA in PwF, while higher self-efficacy and better endurance were found to be consistent enablers to PA. Despite the abundance of evidence for the PA benefits for PwF, we only found consistent evidence for PA correlates at the intrapersonal level.

CONCLUSIONS

Health professionals should consider mental and physical health barriers when promoting PA in PwF. There remains a need to better understand social, environmental, and policy-related factors associated with PA participation in PwFImplications for rehabilitationCo-morbid depression is a notable barrier to physical activity participation in people with fibromyalgia.Experienced pain intensity should be considered as a barrier when promoting physical activity for people with fibromyalgia.Rehabilitation professionals should facilitate self-efficacy in physical activity interventions for people with fibromyalgia.Rehabilitation professionals should promote endurance when motivating people with fibromyalgia towards an active lifestyle.