Researchers have developed four models of physical activity and sleep, for different categories of patients.
- Arthritis is an inflammatory disease
- Arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease affecting the joints
- Physical activity can relieve pain but must be adapted to each particular case
Movement is medicine. In several painful pathologies, patients may be tempted to reduce their physical activity to a minimum. It is however necessary to maintain the physical capacities, but must be adapted to the disease. For example, patients with arthritis should avoid violent sports with excessive impact. According to the profile of the people affected, the recommendations are not the same. In Arthritis Care & Researchresearchers explain how they categorized patients according to four profiles, giving information on their level of physical activity and their sleep.
Women are more affected than men
Rheumatoid arthritis is defined by theHealth Insurance as a chronic inflammatory disease, affecting several joints. Patients experience flare-ups, which vary in duration, interspersed with pain-free periods. If left untreated, new joints may be affected. They deform gradually, until destruction in the most serious cases. 200,000 people are said to be affected in France, mostly women.
A balanced rhythm pattern
172 people with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus or osteoarthritis of the knee took part in the research. The researchers analyzed the participants’ days by dividing their activity into different categories: sleep, rest, time spent sitting, walking, etc. This allowed them to develop four typical profiles of physical activity and sleep: heavy sleepers, light sleepers, those who spend a lot of time sitting and those with a balanced rhythm. The last category was made up of younger than average people, whose job did not require sitting for long periods of time and who were used to walking outside. These people slept on average 7h24, rested for 1h30, sat for 9h24 and were active for 4h24. They walked at least 48 minutes a day.
Helping patients according to their profile
According to them, the development of these models could allow better patient care. “A one-size-fits-all approach is not suitable for helping arthritis patients change the amount of sleep or physical activity”, analyzes Lynne Feehan, lead author of this study. Alison Hoens, physiotherapist, is one of the patients who participated in the research, she agrees with the scientist’s opinion. “Recognizing that patients, even if they have similar diagnoses, are not all the same, encourages tailored care from healthcare professionals.”
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