Comorbidity of Arthritis ONCB

There hasn’t been a published study that has examined the relationship between implicit bias and actual medical treatment

or outcomes.

According to Lyubansky, future research on implicit bias in healthcare must accomplish three goals:

1. Determine the degree of different implicit biases for different groups.

2. Assess the associations among implicit bias and processes and outcomes of care.

3. Test interventions to reduce implicit bias in health care and outcomes, if bias is found to be important in healthcare.

MOBILITY TO ADDRESS DEPRESSION

Scientific studies have shown that physical activity can reduce pain and improve function, mood, and quality of life for adults

with arthritis. Research has shown that appropriate physical activity offers substantial benefits to people with arthritis and

can decrease arthritis pain and disability. Physical activity can also help manage other chronic conditions that are common

among adults with arthritis, such as diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.

Individuals with OA have to take a comprehensive, long-term approach to their health, as symptoms cannot be resolved

instantly by taking a “magic pill”. In addition to partnership with the care team, the patient’s plan for relief from symptoms

and the best quality of life with OA should include:

• managing OA symptoms, like pain, stiffness and swelling

• improving joint mobility and flexibility

• maintaining a healthy weight

• fitness and physical activity

Clinicians assist patients with exercises not only to break the vicious cycle of pain and immobility but also to help relieve

depression. Cognitive and behavioral therapies teach pain patients how to avoid fearful anticipation, banish discouraging

thoughts, and adjust everyday routines to ward off physical and emotional suffering. In addition to these physical activity

programs, self-directed physical activity can be beneficial.

The CDC Arthritis Program recommends evidence-based programs that are proven to improve the quality of life of people

with arthritis.

Appropriate Physical Activity for Arthritis

• Low-impact aerobic activities including brisk walking, cycling, swimming, water aerobics, gardening, group

exercise classes, and dancing.

• Muscle-strengthening exercises including calisthenics, weight training, and working with resistance bands.

These can be done at home, in an exercise class, or at a fitness center.

• Balance exercises including walking backwards, standing on one foot, and Tai Chi. For those at risk of falling,

balance exercises are included in many group exercise programs.

Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program (AFEP)

Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program (AFEP) is a community-based recreational exercise program developed by the

Arthritis Foundation. Trained AFEP instructors cover a variety of range-of-motion and endurance-building activities,

relaxation techniques, and health education topics. All of the exercises can be modified to meet participant needs. The

program’s demonstrated benefits include improved functional ability, decreased depression, and increased confidence in

one’s ability to exercise.