Effects of a tailored activity pacing intervention on pain and fatigue for adults with osteoarthritis

Am J Occup Ther. 2010 Nov-Dec;64(6):869-76. doi: 10.5014/ajot.2010.09198.

Abstract

Objective: We examined whether tailored activity pacing intervention was more effective at reducing pain and fatigue than general activity pacing intervention.

Method: Adults with knee or hip osteoarthritis (N = 32) stratified by age and gender were randomized to receive either tailored or general pacing intervention. Participants wore an accelerometer for 5 days that measured physical activity and allowed for repeated symptom assessment. Physical activity and symptom data were used to tailor activity pacing instruction. Outcomes at 10-week follow-up were pain (Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index) and fatigue (Brief Fatigue Inventory).

Results: Compared with general intervention, the tailored group had less fatigue interference (p = .02) and trended toward decreased fatigue severity (p = .09) at 10-wk follow-up. No group differences were found in pain reduction.

Conclusion: Tailoring instruction on the basis of recent symptoms and physical activity may be a more effective symptom management approach than general instruction given the positive effects on fatigue.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Activities of Daily Living
  • Chronic Disease
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Motor Activity*
  • Osteoarthritis, Hip / rehabilitation*
  • Osteoarthritis, Knee / rehabilitation*
  • Pain / rehabilitation
  • Pain Measurement
  • Pilot Projects