Geri B. Neuberger

Effects of exercise on fatigue, aerobic fitness, and disease activity measures in persons with rheumatoid arthritis

The effects of 12 weeks of low-impact aerobic exercise on fatigue, aerobic fitness, and disease activity were examined in a quasi-experimental time series study of 25 adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Measures were obtained preintervention, midtreatment (after 6 weeks of exercise), end of treatment (after 12 weeks of exercise), and at a 15-week follow-up. ANOVAS for repeated measures showed that those subjects who participated more frequently reported decreased fatigue, while those who participated less frequently reported an increase in fatigue. All subjects, on average, showed increased aerobic fitness and increased right and left hand grip strength, decreased pain, and decreased walk time. There were no significant increases in joint count or sedimentation rate. Significant improvements in measures at the 15-week follow-up also were found. Findings indicate that persons with RA who participate in appropriate exercises may lessen fatigue levels and experience other positive effects without worsening their arthritis.

Determinants of exercise and aerobic fitness in outpatients with arthritis.

Factors that influenced exercise behaviors and aerobic fitness were identified in 100 outpatients with rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis. Data included perceived health status, benefits of and barriers to exercise, and impact of arthritis on health; demogaphic and biologic characteristics; and past exercise behavior. Excercise measures included range-of-motion and strengthening exerises, 7-day activity recall, and the exercise subscale of the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile. An aerobic fitness level was obtained on each subject by bicycle ergometer testing. The theoretical model predicted 20% of the variance in composite exercise scores but none of the variance in aerobic fitness levels. Perceived benefits of exercise was a significant predictor of exercise participation. Subjects with less formal education, longer duration of arthritis, and bigher impact of arthritis scores perceived fewer benefits of exercise, while subjects who reported exercising in their youth perceived more benefits of exercise.

The Perception of Risk of Heart Disease Scale: development and psychometric analysis.

Perception of risk of getting heart disease is an important predictor of individuals’ engagement in a healthy lifestyle. This study describes the development and testing of the Perception of Risk of Heart Disease Scale (PRHDS). The 20-item instrument was tested in successive steps with 295 individuals for internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and construct validity. The three subscales of dread risk, risk, and unknown risk had internal consistency values ranging from .68 to .80. The total scale alpha was .80. Evidence of the instrument’s stability over time was supported by subscale test–retest reliabilities ranging from .61 to .76. Construct validity was documented with a positive correlation between PRHDS and the Health Promotion Lifestyle Profile II (r = .20 to .39). Further psychometric testing of the PRHDS in a larger sample with a heterogeneous cultural background is recommended.

Effect of Aerobic Exercise Training on Fatigue in Rheumatoid Arthritis: A Meta-Analysis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) fatigue is not being well‐managed currently, and evidence of effective interventions is limited. Aerobic exercise may provide benefit to treat fatigue in RA. Therefore, the purpose of this meta‐analysis is to analyze the effect of aerobic land‐based exercise on fatigue in RA.

Perception of risk of coronary heart disease among Jordanians

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to assess perceptions of risk of coronary heart disease among Jordanians and its association with demographic variables and health behaviours. BACKGROUND Lack of accurate risk perception may prevent adults from considering the need for early preventive behaviours or seeking early life-saving interventions in the presence of coronary heart disease symptoms. DESIGN A descriptive study. METHODS Using descriptive statistics and regression analysis, a convenience sample of 300 adults was used. RESULTS Older Jordanians had higher perception of risk of coronary heart disease (β = 0·237, p < 0·001). Jordanian women (β = -0·121, p < 0·05) perceived coronary heart disease more as unobservable, unknown, new and delayed in manifestation of harm than Jordanian men. Also, adult Jordanians who reported not having family member with coronary heart disease (β = 0·129, p < 0·05) perceived coronary heart disease more as unobservable, unknown, new and delayed in manifestation of harm. Adults with higher level of education indicated higher perception of risk of coronary heart disease. There were no significant associations between perception of risk of coronary heart disease and health behaviours among adult Jordanians. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate the need for heart disease education programmes for all adults, including programmes targeted for younger adults, women and persons with low levels of education. It is important to emphasise that adopting healthy lifestyle behaviours can influence their risk for developing long-term disease. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Perception of risk of heart disease can greatly influence the decisions taken by adults in regard to their health care. Lack of accurate risk perception may prevent adults from considering the need for early preventive behaviours or seeking early life-saving interventions in the presence of coronary heart disease symptoms.

Research Evidence for Reducing Sugar Sweetened Beverages in Children

Aims and Objectives: Sugar sweetened beverages (SSBs) have become commonplace in our society and are positively associated with an increase in body mass index (BMI) in our youth. Methods: This project presents an evidence-based review of the current research literature from 2001 to 2009 to examine the association between SSBs and children’s BMI. Results: An analysis of nine primary research studies is reported and eight of nine studies support that a decrease or reduction in SSBs by our youth can have a positive impact on their BMI. Conclusion: Education and political action by nurses to promote a decrease in SSB intake is a step in the right direction in reducing obesity in our children.