Osteoarthritis patients 'negatively affected by a fear of movement'

People with kneeosteoarthritis are experiencing a decreased quality of life due to a fear of movement associated with the condition. This is according to a new US study carried out by the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, which has indicated that this fear of movement may be causing those with osteoarthritis to lead less active lifestyles, putting them at risk of their conditions worsening. Factors affecting fear of movement For this study, a total of 350 participants taking part in a clinical trial were asked to evaluate their fear of movement, as well as providing details on their age, sex, race, education,pain levels and general daily activities. Trends such as knee symptom duration, depressive traits, injury history and balance were also assessed, with results published in the medical journalArthritis Care& Research. It was found that 77 per cent agreed with at least one item on the Brief Fear of Movement measurement scale, with 36 per cent endorsing three or more items, suggesting they had a pronounced fear of movement. It was found that patients' age, daily activity levels, history of depression and capacity forexercise all had a big influence on their mindset in this regard. Possible interventions Overall, the results suggested that many people with knee osteoarthritis are being held back from staying active due to these concerns, suggesting that more could be done to provide patients with appropriate counselling support. The researchers concluded:&q...
Source: Arthritis Research UK - Category: Rheumatology Source Type: news