Sleep/activity cycles key to tailored interventions for people with arthritis
December 1, 2020 (VANCOUVER) – New findings from Arthritis Research Canada reveal that 24-hour activity-sleep cycles could help healthcare providers develop interventions for arthritis patients.
Adults with arthritis may not be able to spend much time doing higher intensity physical activities due to activity limitations. Arthritis-related pain, fatigue, limited joint and muscle function, or mood disruption may contribute to increased sedentary activity and less walking or impact sleep quantity and quality.
“Supporting someone to be physically active, limit sitting activities, and get sufficient sleep have all been shown to be independently associated with better health outcomes,” said Dr. Lynne Feehan, Lead author of the study and a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Therapy at the University of British Columbia. “Pain can have serious implications on a person’s overall health and too much or too little sleep can increase the risk of mortality.”
The study involved a total of 172 people, including 51 per cent with rheumatoid arthritis, 30 per cent with knee osteoarthritis and 19 per cent with systemic lupus erythematosus. Participants wore activity monitors for one week and completed surveys for demographic information, mood and sitting and walking habits.
“This research has laid the foundation for further investigation into the use of 24-hour activity-sleep patterns to create tailored interventions for people living with different forms of arthritis,” Feehan said.
Alison Hoens is a member of Arthritis Research Canada’s Arthritis Patient Advisory Board and a patient partner in this study. As a patient living with rheumatoid arthritis and as a physical therapist, the findings of this study resonate strongly with her.
“The recognition that patients, even with similar diagnoses, are ‘not all the same’ speaks to the potential of tailoring support from healthcare providers to encourage healthy sleep, rest, and activity that align with a patient’s habits and needs,” Hoens said.
This research is also consistent with the new Canadian 24-hour movement guidelines that promote finding a balance between sleep, physical activity and rest playing an important role in Canadians’ overall health, well-being, and quality of life, regardless of age.
