Supervised exercise versus non-supervised exercise for reducing weight in obese adults.

AIM: The prevalence of obesity is rising. Because obesity is positively associated with many health related risks and negatively associated with life expectancy this is a threat to public health. Physical exercise is a well known method to lose fat mass. Due to shame of their appearance, bad general condition and social isolation, starting and continuing physical exercise tends to be problematic for obese adults. A supervised training program could be useful to overcome such negative factors. In this study we hypothesized that offering a supervised exercise program for obese adults would lead to greater benefits in body fat and total body mass reduction than a non-specific oral advice to increase their physical activity. METHODS: Thirty-four participants were randomised to a supervised exercise program group (N.=17) and a control group (N.=17). Fifteen candidates in the intervention group and 12 in the control group appeared for baseline measurements and bought an all inclusive sports pass to a health club for Euro 10, per month. The control group just received the oral advice to increase their physical activity at their convenience. The supervised exercise group received biweekly exercise sessions of 2 hours with an estimated energy expenditure of 2 500 kJ per hour. Both groups received no dietary advice. RESULTS: After 4 months the overall decrease in body mass in the intervention group was 8.0 kg (SD 6.2) and the decrease in body fat was 6.2 kg (SD 4.5). The control group lost 2.8 kg overall (SD 4.2) and the decrease in body fat was 1.7 kg (SD 3.1). Correction for differences between groups in gender and age by multiple linear regression analysis showed significantly greater loss of total body mass (P = 0.001) and fat mass (P =0.002) in the intervention group compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Stimulation of physical activity alone seems to result in a slight short term body mass and fat mass reduction in obese adults who are eager to lose weight. Supervised exercise under supervision of a qualified fitness instructor leads to a larger decrease.

Physiotherapy in ankylosing spondylitis: what is the evidence?

Evidence on the value of some current physiotherapeutic practices and the ineffectiveness of others is accumulating. This paper addresses the best evidence available on the efficacy and effectiveness of physiotherapeutic modalities in ankylosing spondylitis. General issues in the assessment of physiotherapy in this disease are briefly discussed. Core sets for assessments are nowadays available. A recent Cochrane review on this topic supports the (at least short-term) positive effects of physiotherapy in particular exercise, in the management of ankylosing spondylitis. Some details of the included studies are provided.

Combined spa-exercise therapy is effective in patients with ankylosing spondylitis: a randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the efficacy of combined spa-exercise therapy in addition to standard treatment with drugs and weekly group physical therapy in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). METHODS: A total of 120 Dutch outpatients with AS were randomly allocated into 3 groups of 40 patients each. Group 1 (mean age 48 +/- 10 years; male:female ratio 25:15) was treated in a spa resort in Bad Hofgastein, Austria; group 2 (mean age 49 +/- 9 years; male:female ratio 28:12) in a spa resort in Arcen, The Netherlands. The control group (mean age 48 +/- 10 years; male:female ratio 34:6) stayed at home and continued their usual drug treatment and weekly group physical therapy during the intervention weeks. Standardized spa-exercise therapy of 3 weeks duration consisted of group physical exercises, walking, correction therapy (lying supine on a bed), hydrotherapy, sports, and visits to either the Gasteiner Heilstollen (Austria) or sauna (Netherlands). After spa-exercise therapy all patients followed weekly group physical therapy for another 37 weeks. Primary outcomes were functional ability, patient's global well-being, pain, and duration of morning stiffness, aggregated in a pooled index of change (PIC). RESULTS: Analysis of variance showed a statistically significant time-effect (P < 0.001) and time-by-treatment interaction (P = 0.004), indicating that the 3 groups differed over time with respect to the course of the PIC. Four weeks after start of spa-exercise therapy, the mean difference in PIC between group 1 and controls was 0.49 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.16-0.82, P = 0.004) and between group 2 and controls was 0.46 (95% CI 0.15-0.78, P = 0.005). At 16 weeks, the difference between group 1 and controls was 0.63 (95% CI 0.23-1.02, P = 0.002) and between group 2 and controls was 0.34 (95% CI--0.05-0.73; P = 0.086). At 28 and 40 weeks, more improvement was found for group 1 compared with controls (P = 0.012 and P = 0.062, respectively) but not for group 2 compared with controls. CONCLUSION: In patients with AS, a 3-week course of combined spa-exercise therapy, in addition to drug treatment and weekly group physical therapy alone, provides beneficial effects. These beneficial effects may last for at least 40 weeks.

Problem elicitation to assess patient priorities in ankylosing spondylitis and fibromyalgia.

OBJECTIVE: To elicit patient priorities as outcome measures in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and fibromyalgia (FM); to relate these measures to other outcomes; to assess construct validity and sensitivity to change of the problem elicitation technique (PET) questionnaire. METHODS: One hundred thirty-four patients with AS were randomly allocated to weekly sessions of group physical therapy or daily exercises at home, whereas 73 patients with FM were randomized into one of 3 groups (low impact fitness, biofeedback, controls). The PET questionnaire was applied by trained interviewers at baseline and at 6 (FM) and 9 (AS) month followup. A PET score was calculated at each assessment. Construct validity of the PET was assessed by correlation and multiple regression of baseline values with other disease outcomes (pain, stiffness, patient's global assessment, Sickness Impact Profile (SIP), Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), Arthritis Impact Measurement Scale (AIMS), patient utilities). Sensitivity to change of PET was assessed against changes in these outcomes and by comparing the efficiency of the PET with other outcomes. RESULTS: Patients with FM identified more problems (mean 6.8) than patients with AS (mean 4.4). Moreover, more patients with AS than with FM were unable to identify any problem at baseline (10% compared to 1%). The PET score improved from 14.9 to 11.3 (p = 0.0001) in patients with AS but did not change from 21.8 to 21.1 (p = 0.24) in patients with FM. Construct validity testing of the PET score showed statistically significant (p < 0.05) correlations with AIMS, utilities, SIP, HAQ, pain, stiffness, and patient's global health in both groups of patients (r varying from 0.22 to 0.66). By multiple regression pain explained 29% of the variance in PET scores among patients with AS. In FM patient global assessment accounted for 39% of total variance of PET scores, whereas pain explained another 15%. Changes in PET scores correlated significantly (p < 0.05) with changes in AIMS, utilities, pain, stiffness, and patient global health in both AS and FM (r varying from 0.22 to 0.51). Some 6% of the variance in changes in PET scores was explained by changes in pain in patients with AS and 35% by changes in pain and subjective health in patients with FM. Assessment of sensitivity to change revealed that efficiency of the PET score was 0.6 in patients with AS and 0.09 in those with FM. Compared to other outcomes this was reasonable in patients with AS but low in those with FM. CONCLUSION: Obtaining patient priorities was generally feasible. In both groups of patients construct validity of the PET questionnaire was satisfactory. The PET was much more sensitive to change in patients with AS than in patients with FM.

Factors related to change in global health after group physical therapy in ankylosing spondylitis.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate how improvements in global health in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS), who had received group physical therapy, were associated with changes in physical functioning and other outcome measures. Sixty-seven AS patients from 2 outpatient departments (modified New York criteria) received group physical therapy weekly. After 9 months we studied the following variables to explain changes in global health: disease duration, spinal mobility, fitness, functional status (SIP, HAQ and Functional Index), pain, stiffness, and articular and enthesis indices. Change scores were calculated as baseline values minus scores at 9-month follow-up. Personality traits (neuroticism, social inadequacy, self-esteem and health locus of control) and loneliness were also included as possibly explanatory variables. Patient's assessment of change in global health after 9 months of group physical therapy was self-reported on a 10 cm visual analogue scale (-5 = maximum worsening, 0 = no change, +5 = maximum improvement). Correlations were calculated between change in global health and all candidate explanatory variables. In this pre/post test design multiple and stepwise regression analyses were performed to study the relations between changes in global health and all explanatory variables. Pearson correlation coefficients between improved global health and the explanatory variables were significant for lower self-esteem (0.27) and improvements in chest expansion (0.31), fitness (0.32), HAQ-S (0.29), and stiffness (0.33). Regression analysis revealed 2 significantly explanatory steps: changes in fitness explained 16% of total variance of changes in global health, and changes in stiffness contributed an additional 11%.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Patient utilities in ankylosing spondylitis and the association with other outcome measures.

OBJECTIVE: To compare in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) utilities derived by rating scale and standard gamble method, to relate these values to other outcome measures, and to assess the sensitivity to change of utilities relative to changes in other outcomes. METHODS: Patients with AS were randomly allocated to either weekly sessions of supervised group physical therapy for a period of 9 months or daily exercises at home. Analysis was restricted to the 59 patients who completed the Maastricht Utility Measurement Questionnaire (MUMQ) at baseline and after 9 months' followup and who were seen by the same interviewer. Reliability was assessed by intraclass correlation coefficient and change scores for marker states of disease. Construct validity was evaluated by correlation and multiple regression of baseline values with a variety of disease outcomes (pain and stiffness, patient's and physician's global assessment, Sickness Impact Profile, Health Assessment Questionnaire for the Spondyloarthropathies, Arthritis Impact Measurement Scale, functional, articular, and enthesis indices and spinal mobility measures). Sensitivity to change was assessed against changes in these outcome measures at followup. RESULTS: The test-retest intraclass correlation coefficients for patient utilities were 0.95 (rating scale) and 0.79 (standard gamble), and for the marker state of mild disease 0.70 (rating scale) and 0.77 (standard gamble). A multiple regression analysis with the baseline rating scale or standard gamble utilities as dependent variable showed that patient's global assessment explained 59 and 11% of the total variance respectively. By multiple regression analysis 10% of the variance of change in rating scale utilities was explained by changes of patient's global assessment. In contrast, variance in change in standard gamble utilities was not explained by changes in other disease outcomes. CONCLUSION: Findings obtained by rating scale and standard gamble differ considerably. Standard gamble utilities seem to address different aspects of health status than do rating scale utilities and more traditional outcomes. Utility measurement is sensitive to the method chosen to elicit patient well being.

Continuation of group physical therapy is necessary in ankylosing spondylitis: results of a randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: Group physical therapy in patients with ankylosing spondylitis was studied to determine whether beneficial effects persisted after cessation of the intervention. METHODS: After a 9-month period of supervised group physical therapy, 68 patients were randomized for another 9 months to unsupervised daily exercises at home (discontinuation group) or continuation of weekly sessions of supervised group physical therapy (continuation group). Endpoints were spinal mobility (thoraco-lumbar flexion and extension, chest expansion, cervical rotation), fitness (maximum work capacity), functioning (Sickness Impact Profile (SIP), Health Assessment Questionnaire for the Spondylarthropathies [HAQ-S], Functional Index [FI]), and patient's global health assessment on a visual analogue scale. RESULTS: Time for exercises at home was significantly higher in the continuation than in the discontinuation group (mean duration 1.9 versus 1.2 hr per week, P < 0.05). The continuation group improved in global health (mean improvement 1.6; 32%) and in SIP score. Scores for thoraco-lumbar mobility and HAQ-S did not change very much, whereas chest expansion, cervical rotation, fitness, and FI deteriorated. The average attendance for group therapy sessions was 62%. The discontinuation group improved only marginally (0.2; 4%) in global health, whereas all other endpoints decreased. Only for global health and HAQ-S were the differences statistically significant in favor of the continuation group. CONCLUSIONS: Global health and functioning are sustained or even improved further if group physical therapy is continued. Spinal mobility decreased slightly in both groups.

Comparison between self-report measures and clinical observations of functional disability in ankylosing spondylitis, rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia.

OBJECTIVE: To study concordance between self-report measures and clinical observations of functional disability in ankylosing spondylitis (AS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and fibromyalgia (FM). METHODS: 35 patients with AS completed 9 selected items of the Functional Index questionnaire, whereas 12 patients with RA and 13 with FM completed 7 selected items of the Arthritis Impact Measurement Scales. Five days later, all 60 patients and 4 controls actually performed the selected activities, which were recorded on video. The tapes were assessed in random order by 12 observers (6 occupational therapists and 6 physicians). Both patients and observers indicated functional disability on a 10 cm visual analog scale (VAS). RESULTS: Interobserver agreement was high (Cronbach's alpha 0.98). All observers scored the 4 healthy controls as having no disability at all. Mean discordance scores (VAS patients minus VAS observers) for the selected items were negligible in AS [-0.17 cm (p = 0.30)], moderate in RA [+1.10 cm (p = 0.06)] and high in FM [+2.44 cm (p < 0.01)]. CONCLUSION: Discordance between self-report questionnaires and observed functional disability is a feature most striking in FM. In validation of self-report questionnaires of functional disability the appropriate spectrum of rheumatological diagnoses should be considered.

Cost effectiveness of group physical therapy compared to individualized therapy for ankylosing spondylitis. A randomized controlled trial.

OBJECTIVE: Cost effectiveness analysis is helpful in setting priorities for funding of health care programs. We studied the cost effectiveness of supervised group physical therapy compared to unsupervised exercises at home in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS). METHODS: A total of 144 patients with AS (modified New York criteria; mean age: 43 years) were randomized to unsupervised daily individualized exercises at home for 9 months or the same plus supervised group physical therapy (3 h weekly). At baseline and after 9 months we measured spinal mobility (thoracolumbar flexion and extension), fitness (maximum work capacity by ergometry), and patient's global assessment of change as measured on a visual analog scale. We used a questionnaire at baseline and a diary during the trial to measure AS related direct medical costs, such as doctor visits, paramedical treatment, medication and hospitalization. RESULTS: The mean effects of group therapy and home exercises were, respectively, +0.9 cm (16%) and +0.5 cm (9%) for mobility, +7 watts (4%) and -2 watts (-1%) for fitness, and +1.7 (34%) and +0.3 (6%) for global health. These 3 differences were significant (p < 0.01 for mobility, p = 0.05 for fitness and p < 0.01 for global health). During the trial total medical costs decreased by an average of US $379 (44%) for group therapy, and by $257 (35%)/patient/year for the "home" group. Additional costs of group therapy were estimated at $531/patient/year ($177 for accommodation, $256 for therapist and $98 for materials). After the study 75% of the patients wanted to continue group physical therapy and were willing to pay for it. CONCLUSION: Compared to therapy at home, additional benefits of group therapy cost $531/year, but reduced direct medical costs by $122/year. Hence, the beneficial effects of group therapy cost $409/patient with AS/year.

Determinants of self-reported health status in ankylosing spondylitis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the relative contributions of disability related variables, personality traits and social network characteristics to self-reported general health status in ankylosing spondylitis (AS). METHODS: For 144 patients with AS (modified New York criteria; 112 men) the following variables were assessed cross sectionally: disability related variables (age, duration of disease, spinal mobility, physicians' global assessment), personality traits (neuroticism, social inadequacy, self-esteem, health locus of control) and loneliness. Health status was assessed by means of 3 self-administered instruments: Sickness Impact Profile, Health Assessment Questionnaire for the Spondyloarthropathies and Self-assessed Function. RESULTS: Factor analysis of the 3 health status instruments suggested one underlying health status score. This derived health status score correlated significantly with each of the disability related variables, the personality traits and loneliness (p < 0.05), but not with social inadequacy and physician oriented health control. In multiple regression analysis 4 variables contributed significantly, together explaining 44% of the total variance of the derived health status score: neuroticism 25%, physicians' global assessment 8%, internal oriented health control 6% and spinal mobility 5% (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In AS, self-reported health status is more strongly related to personality traits than to the degree of disability. When assessing health status in AS by self-report, personality traits must be taken into account.

Is group physical therapy superior to individualized therapy in ankylosing spondylitis? A randomized controlled trial.

PURPOSE: To study the effects of adding supervised group physical therapy to unsupervised individualized therapy in ankylosing spondylitis. METHODS: One hundred forty-four patients were randomized to exercises at home, or the same plus weekly group physical therapy for 9 months. Endpoints were spinal mobility, fitness (maximum work capacity by ergometry), functioning (Sickness Impact Profile, Health Assessment Questionnaire for the Spondylarthropathies, and Functional Index), and patient's global assessment of change on a 10-cm visual analogue scale. RESULTS: Thoracolumbar flexion and extension increased by an average of 0.5 cm (9%) after home exercises, and by 0.9 cm (16%) after group therapy. Maximum load in ergometry decreased by 2 W (1%) after home exercises, but increased by 7 W (4%) after group therapy. Global assessment improved by 0.3 (6%) after home exercises, and by 1.7 (34%) after group therapy. These three differences were statistically significant. There were no significant differences in chest expansion, cervical rotation, or the self-assessments of functioning. CONCLUSIONS: Group physical therapy proved superior to individualized therapy in improving thoracolumbar mobility and fitness, and had an important effect on global health reported by the patients.

Therapeutic effects of individual physical therapy in ankylosing spondylitis related to duration of disease.

Physical therapy in ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is considered important for maintaining or improving mobility, fitness, functioning, and global health. We studied the influence of disease duration on the short term effects of supervised individual therapy. One hundred forty-four AS outpatients (modified New York Criteria; mean age: 43 years; median duration of disease: 4 years; range: 0-33) received 12 supervised individual treatments in a 6-week course of 30 minutes. Endpoints were: spinal mobility (thoracic and lumbar flexion and extension, chest expansion, cervical rotation), fitness (maximum work capacity by ergometry), functioning (Sickness Impact Profile (SIP) and the Functional Index (FI)), and global patient assessment of change on a visual analogue scale. After 6 weeks patients had improved in all endpoints, but only significantly in rotation (8 degrees, 10%), fitness (6 watt, 4%), and SIP (0.6, 14%; t-test, p < 0.05). Global patient assessment improved by 1.1 (22%). Plots of change scores and disease duration showed no evident relation. We also divided the population into two groups, with the median disease duration as a cut-off. No relevant difference in improvement was found between 'short duration' and 'long duration' groups (t-test of change scores, p > 0.05). In addition, no relevant correlation was found between change scores and disease duration (p > 0.01). It may be concluded that irrespective of disease duration, short term supervised individual therapy is effective in AS, slightly improving mobility, fitness, functioning and global health.