Physical Activity and Quality of Life with Arthritis

Physical Activity Adherence and Quality of Life among Individuals with Arthritis

By Kelsey Stamps

Austin, S., Qu, H., & Shewchuk, R. M. (2011). Association between adherence to physical activity guidelines and health-related quality of life among individuals why physician-diagnosed arthritis. Quality of Life Research, 21, 1347-1357.

Purpose:
Physical activity is an important, non-pharmacological intervention to diminish pain and discomfort and to improve health-related quality of life in individuals with one of the most prevalent chronic conditions, arthritis. Health-related quality of life (HRQOL) is an indicator of physical and mental health, and a population’s chronic disease load. It evaluates the impact of arthritis, which is a leading cause of disability both in the U.S. and internationally. Adults with arthritis have poor HRQOL and, on average, report four more physically unhealthy days and 2.3 more mentally unhealthy days (within a 30 day period), compared to those without arthritis. After assuming that HRQOL for adults with arthritis would be predicted by adherence to physical activity guidelines controlling for health system factor (physicians’ recommendations for physical activity), pre-disposing, enabling, and need-relation factors, the authors hypothesized that individuals who did not adhere to recommended levels of physical activity would report more physically and mentally unhealthy days compared with those who did, controlling for physicians’ recommendations, predisposing, enabling, and need-related factors.

Conclusion: 
Individuals who did not adhere to the physical activity guidelines had more physically and mentally unhealthy days. By engaging in low- to moderate-intensity physical activity of approximately 150 minutes per week, evidence shows that individuals with arthritis had some degree of relief from pain, improved their physical function, and delayed onset of disability. The 150 minutes per week consisted of five 30-minute sessions. However, this study proved that adherence to physical activity is low in this population and interventions are needed to connect adults with arthritis to participate in physical activity. It is recommended that even if adults with other co-morbidities cannot meet at least 150 minutes per week they should still be physically active as much as possible whenever their conditions and abilities allow. 

ARTFUL AGING

Artful Aging by Dr. Suzanne Groah

As a physician and scientist, I have seen remarkable aging. The patients whom I care for, often with severe physical disabilities, experience a process termed “accelerated aging.” This means that some of the “normal” declines in body organ function that we see associated with age occur earlier than anticipated. Unfortunately, the result is a shorter lifespan for these individuals.

I have seen a number of people, though, who have outlived expectations — some by years and a few by decades. I want to learn from these people so that I can discover the Art of Aging, live it myself, and share it with others.

The example that is most striking is a patient and friend who was involved in a car accident 50 years ago at age 20. The accident left him paralyzed at the waist due to a broken back. If this happened today, we would anticipate he would live a productive life using a wheelchair and have about 45 years to live. Fifty years ago this number would have been much lower. For the first few years after his injury he worked hard to achieve his goal of walking. He accomplished this without regaining even a muscle twitch in his legs. He has walked using leg braces, crutches, and Hulk-like upper body strength. More incredible is that he has done it for the past 50 years — a feat well beyond anything I have ever observed.

To me, Ed exemplifies the Art of Aging. I am convinced that his commitment to physical activity — to stand when most would have sat and to continue to be physically active even when faced with life’s greatest challenges — is the key to his artful aging. As stated by Chinese microbiologist, Zhao Liping, “EAT RIGHT, KEEP FIT, LIVE LONG, DIE QUICK”.

Dr. Suzanne Groah is a physician and researcher in Washington, DC. www.SCI-Health.org

Fitness and Happiness!

It's true!!!

Fitness professionals and enthusiasts are well aware of the positive effects that exercise can have on mood. A report from the Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology (2011; 33 [6], 884–902) takes this common knowledge one step further, suggesting that exercise is associated with feelings of excitement and enthusiasm.

According to the authors, “Physical activity was not associated with pleasant-deactivated, unpleasant–activated or unpleasant–deactivated feelings. People who were more physically active overall had higher pleasant–activated feelings than people who were less physically active. People reported higher levels of pleasant-activated feelings on days when they were more physically active than was typical for them.”

SHED THOSE POUNDS!

Guidelines recommend that or people with chronic conditions, including arthritis, achieve 150 minutes/week of moderate or vigorous activity each week, which can be achieved by 30 minutes/day on five days of the week.

U.S. Open Tennis--Are You Watching??

If you're not outside getting some exercise now, are you watching amazing tennis at the U.S. Open??  The Federer vs. Djokovic match was absolutely amazing. This is tennis at its best. Don't miss the Nadal and Murray match which is on CBS now!! What a great way to burn calories, build stamina and muscles and have fun.

BE AN OPTIMIST!!! 10 TIPS!

Optimism has been shown to increase longevity,
promote happiness, and encourage healthy living.

1.Start the day in a positive way. Find one thing to be happy about — it may be the aroma of your morning coffee, some favorite music, or the unconditional love of a pet.

2. Practice gratitude. Take a moment each day to express
gratitude for something or someone in your life. Even better,
share it with that person. Now you’ve made your day and theirs!

3. Exercise. Endorphins released through exercise are accompanied by a positive and energizing outlook.

4. Do something you love to do. Add a pleasing activity or two to your daily routine, something for the body, mind, or spirit.

5. Look on the bright side. Your thoughts about events in your life affect your feelings about them. Switch your thoughts to a more positive track and your feelings will follow.

6. Try an affirmation a day. Short, inspirational phrases spoken to yourself can have a profound effect on the way you feel about yourself. Some examples: I am strong. I am healthy. I am beautiful. I am in control of my life.

7. Seek out positive people. Your newfound optimism will make you attractive to others. Now surround yourself with like-minded people.

8. Let go of the past. Holding on to bitter feelings drains us of positive emotional energy. Forgive yourself as well as others. Acknowledge what has happened and move on.

9. Get to know yourself. Focus on who you are rather than on perceptions other people may have of you. Meditation and journaling can help you achieve a greater understanding of yourself.

10. Be a balanced optimist. Accept that life throws us curves and feel confident that you can successfully handle whatever comes your way.

(2011, Jewish Home for Aging)

Aquatic Exercise Rates High

According to a report by the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association (SGMA), the most popular exercise activities for adults aged 65 or older include tai chi and aquatic exercise. 

So what are you waiting for??? Get splashing!!!

Exercise Lowers Risk of Colon Cancer

Just reported by Washington University School of Medicine and Harvard University that people who exercised (any physical activity) the most were 24% less likely to develop colon cancer than those who exercised the least. This study indicates that physical activity is truly protective against colon cancer. The benefits of exercise are for both men and women.