Physical Functional Limitations Research Articles

Keep it Movin': Design and methods of a church-based physical activity program to improve physical function among midlife and older black adults.

Older Black adults have high rates of physical function (PF) limitations. Physical activity (PA) is effective for improving PF and reducing mobility disability risk; however, community-based PA interventions focused on improving PF for older Black adults are lacking. Given the importance of churches as trusted institutions in Black communities, church-based interventions developed through community collaborations may help increase access to PA interventions. Keep it Movin' is a church-based cluster randomized controlled trial testing the effectiveness of a 24-week group-based (intervention arm) versus a self-guided (comparator arm) program in improving PF among Black adults aged ≥40 years with PF limitations (short physical performance battery [SPPB] score ≤ 9). A church-wide virtual walking program is available to congregants in both arms. The intervention arm receives weekly group-based classes held at the church that include education, goal setting, and structured PA (walking, lower-extremity strength, balance, and stretching). The comparator arm receives educational materials about PA appropriate for people with PF limitations. Outcomes are assessed at 6 (program completion) and 12 months (maintenance). The primary outcome is PF change as measured by the SPPB at 6 months. Secondary outcomes include change in moderate-to-vigorous PA, social support and self-efficacy for PA, quality of life, and self-reported PF. Factors related to successful adoption, implementation, and maintenance are assessed using the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance (RE-AIM) framework. This is the first study to evaluate the effectiveness of a group-based PA program delivered in Black churches to improve PF.

Effect of Physical Function on Access to Repeat Kidney Transplantation.

Background: The long-term success rate of kidney transplantation is disappointing, with repeat transplantation necessary for more than half of recipients. When a repeat kidney transplantation is needed, patients are often elderly and suffer from underlying advanced kidney disease, comorbidities, and adverse effects of immunosuppressants, leading to physical function limitations. Limited physical function is known to hinder access to an initial kidney transplantation, but there is no information about its impact on repeat transplantations. Objective: This study aimed to determine the effect of physical function on access to wait-listing for repeat transplantation. Methods: Data from the national registry was utilized to analyze 28,884 kidney transplant recipients. Physical function was assessed with Karnofsky scores, and patients were categorized into three strata: total assistance, some assistance, and no assistance. Logistic regression and multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were used to assess the impact of physical function on waiting list access and duration until wait-listing, respectively. Results: Patients with greater physical independence were more likely to be wait-listed for repeat kidney transplantation. Highly sensitized patients, those with diabetes, Black patients, and elderly individuals had a lower likelihood of access to wait-listing after kidney failure. Interestingly, those with limited physical function, provided they remained in the work-up process, experienced a relatively shorter duration to wait-listing after graft failure.Conclusions: These findings highlight the need to promote and support physical function throughout the kidney transplant journey to improve access to repeat transplantation and subsequent patient outcomes.

Patient journey, disease burden, and functional disability in patients with axial spondyloarthritis in South Africa: results of International Map of Axial Spondyloarthritis (IMAS)

ObjectiveTo assess the unmet needs of South Africans with axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) focusing on the patient journey, functional disability, and health-related quality of life.MethodsOne hundred forty-six South African axSpA patients completed the International Map of Axial Spondyloarthritis (IMAS) online survey. Patient journey, functional disability, activities of daily living, and psychological stress were analyzed in relation to socio-demographic characteristics, disease activity, diagnostic delay, extra-musculoskeletal manifestations, and drug therapy.ResultsMajority were female (82.2%) and Caucasian (89.7%) and the mean age of participants, age at onset of initial symptoms, and diagnostic delay were 44.7, 26.7, and 10.8 years, respectively. Participants reported a mean of 3.4 visits to healthcare professionals prior to a definitive diagnosis of axSpA, mostly made by rheumatologists (77.9%). Active disease (BASDAI ≥ 4) was reported by 87%, 69.9% suffered from psychological distress (general health questionnaire-12 score ≥ 3), and more than two-thirds suffered functional limitations in daily, personal, and social activities. Multivariable logistic analysis showed that active disease was more common in females [OR (95% CI) = 4.3 (1.2–15.2)] and was associated with greater functional limitation [OR (95% CI) = 1.1 (1.0–1.2)].ConclusionOf all the regions assessed in the IMAS (n = 5557 participants, 27 countries), South Africans reported the longest delay in diagnosis. The South African patient journey depicts a process burdened with diagnostic challenges and delays, coupled with patients experiencing significant personal and social limitations. These results emphasize the urgent need to establish local diagnostic and treatment guidelines for axSpA in South Africa, to reduce diagnostic delay, and to control disease activity associated with functional limitation in axSpA.Key Points• Axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) in South Africans is associated with significant limitations in physical, mental, and social functioning.• First study to describe the unmet needs of South African patients with axSpA.

Mental Health and Quality of Life of Patients with Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Pre and Post Radioactive Iodine Treatment: A Prospective Study.

Background: Although patients with differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) have a good prognosis, their long-term clinical course can influence their mental health and their health-related quality of life (HRQoL). However, few studies have evaluated the psychological factors that influence subsequent HRQoL in this population, particularly during the initial treatment stage. Methods: In this 1-month cohort study, we evaluated depressive and anxiety symptoms and HRQoL of patients with DTC and examined possible predictors of further HRQoL impairment. Results: In total, 181 patients completed questionnaires where they self-rated their psychological status (the Chinese Health Questionnaire [CHQ], Taiwanese Depression Questionnaire [TDQ]) and HRQoL (the 36-item Short Form Health Survey [SF-36]) at baseline and 1 month after radioactive iodine (RAI) therapy. Compared with the general Taiwanese population, patients with DTC reported a worse HRQoL in all dimensions of the SF-36. Multivariate regression models indicated that anxiety and depressive symptoms were inversely correlated with some dimensions (physical functioning, bodily pain, and general health perceptions for the CHQ; role limitations due to physical problems and social functioning for the TDQ). However, psychiatric follow-up and treatment history were significantly associated with physical functioning and role limitations owing to the physical problem dimensions of HRQoL. Conclusions: In conclusion, although anxiety and depressive symptoms may negatively affect certain HRQoL domains, psychiatric follow-up can improve the physical dimensions.

Shielded by Education? The Buffering Role of Education in the Relationships Between Changes in Mental Health and Physical Functioning Through Time Among Older Europeans.

This study investigated among older Europeans how physical function limitations lead to depressive symptoms and reductions in quality of life and well-being, and vice-versa. Further examined was how years of education moderate these relationships. These objectives were pursued using a sample of Europeans aged 50+ years (N = 46,492) within waves 5 (2013) and 6 (2015) of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe. The analyses employed conditional change multilevel mixed-effects linear regressions. Mental health was found to affect physical function limitations, and vice-versa. More education significantly reduced only how earlier mental health problems lead to later physical function limitations, plausibly because of the former's higher controllability. Thus highlighted are education-linked psychosocial resources' protective effects.

Counseling Intervention and Cardiovascular Events in People With Peripheral Artery Disease

It is unclear whether counseling to promote walking reduces the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in people with peripheral artery disease (PAD). To test whether a counseling intervention designed to increase walking reduced the risk of MACE in patients with PAD. The BIP trial was a randomized clinical trial, with recruitment performed between January 2015 and July 2018 and follow-up concluded in August 2023. Participants with walking impairment due to PAD from vascular departments in the Australian cities of Brisbane, Sydney, and Townsville were randomly allocated 1:1 to the intervention or control group. Data were originally analyzed in March 2024. Four brief counseling sessions aimed to help patients with the challenges of increasing physical activity. The primary outcome was the between-group difference in risk of MACE, which included myocardial infarction (MI), stroke, and cardiovascular death. The relationship between Intermittent Claudication Questionnaire (ICQ) scores, PAD Quality of Life (PADQOL) scores, and MACE was examined with Cox proportional hazard regression analyses. A total of 200 participants were included, with 102 allocated to the counseling intervention (51.0%) and 98 to the control group (49.0%).Participants were followed up for a mean (SD) duration of 3.5 (2.6) years. Median (IQR) participant age was 70 (63-76) years, and 56 of 200 participants (28.0%) were female. A total of 31 individuals had a MACE (composed of 19 MIs, 4 strokes, and 8 cardiovascular deaths). Participants allocated to the intervention were significantly less likely to have a MACE than participants in the control group (10 of 102 participants [9.8%] vs 21 of 98 [21.4%]; hazard ratio [HR], 0.43; 95% CI, 0.20-0.91; P = .03). Greater disease-specific quality of life (QOL) scores at 4 months (ICQ: HR per 1-percentage point increase, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.95-0.99; P < .001; PADQOL factor 3 [symptoms and limitations in physical functioning]: HR per 1-unit increase, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.84-0.98; P = .01) and at 12 months (ICQ: HR per 1-percentage point increase, 0.97; 95% CI, 0.95-0.99; P = .003; PADQOL factor 3: HR per 1-unit increase, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.84-0.98; P = .02) were associated with a lower risk of MACE. In analyses adjusted for ICQ or PADQOL factor 3 scores at either 4 or 12 months, allocation to the counseling intervention was no longer significantly associated with a lower risk of MACE. This post hoc exploratory analysis of the BIP randomized clinical trial suggested that the brief counseling intervention designed to increase walking may reduce the risk of MACE, possibly due to improvement in QOL. anzctr.org.au Identifier: ACTRN12614000592640.

Life's Essential 8 and its association with osteoarthritis and disability: a cross-sectional study based on the NHANES 2005-2018 database.

Osteoarthritis (OA) often coexists with risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), worsening symptoms and functional impairment. This cross-sectional study investigated the association between Life's Essential 8 (LE8) and disability in individuals with OA. Data from 8334 United States adults (aged ≥ 20) who participated in the 2005-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) with complete data on LE8 components and disability status were analyzed. LE8 components, including diet, physical activity (PA), nicotine exposure, sleep, body mass index (BMI), blood lipids, glucose, and blood pressure (BP), were scored on a 0-100 scale, categorizing cardiovascular health (CVH) as low, moderate, or high. Disability mainly caused by OA was assessed using a standardized physical functioning questionnaire. Association analyses were performed using multivariable logistic regression, adjusting for demographic, socioeconomic, lifestyle, and health-related covariates. Individuals with CVH scores 10 points higher had a 15% lower prevalence of OA (95% CI 0.81-0.90). Individuals with OA were more than twice as likely to experience disability. High levels of CVH were associated with a lower prevalence of disability in various domains compared to low levels of CVH (all P < 0.05), such as in activities of daily living (OR 0.32, 95% CI 0.18-0.58). Among the LE8 components, BMI, PA, and sleep health were associated with disabilities in all domains, while blood lipid scores were not. A higher adherence to LE8 is associated with a lower prevalence of different types of disability in domains of physical functioning and functional limitations in individuals with OA.

Assessment of lifestyle factors, stress levels, and quality of life among people with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus

BackgroundIndia is deemed the “Diabetes Capital,” with over 100 million people suffering from this deadly disease. The disease is a lifestyle disorder and significantly impacts the quality of life. Thus, the study assesses the lifestyle factors and quality of life (QoL) among people suffering from Type 2 Diabetes (T2D).Materials and methodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among 100 T2DM participants aged 18–65. Data were collected from Diabetic Clinics across Pune City using the Modified Diabetes Quality of Life Questionnaire, having seven domains with 17 questions. Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) and International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) were used to assess Stress and Physical Activity. Purposive and snowball sampling techniques were used to collect data. The data was entered and cleaned in Microsoft Excel and analysis was done using SPSS v23. Descriptive and inferential analysis was computed.Results60% of the participants were males with a mean age of 43.30 ± 10.89 years. The mean age of women was 50.17 ± 10.13 years. The mean HbA1c of males and females was 7.98 ± 1.41 and 7.83 ± 1.25, respectively. 83% have moderate stress, while 11% have low stress. Only 11% were found to be physically active. The average QoL score of the participants was 63.4 ± 11.2, non-significantly higher in males than in females (64.9 ± 11.03 vs 61.0 ± 11.22). Domain assessment of QoL showed statistical significance among general health (p = 0.002) and energy fatigue (p = 0.015), with males having better general health than women, and energy levels were better in females than males. However, no significance was seen between the genders in physical function, emotional well-being, and role limitation. A statistical significance for energy fatigue (p = 0.031) was observed when QoL was assessed across the disease duration.ConclusionDue to a sedentary lifestyle and increased stress, the glycemic profile of the participants was uncontrolled, which negatively impacted their quality of life. Thus, a holistic approach to managing diabetes will be more beneficial in improving the quality of life.

Limited Physical Functioning in United States Adults with Arthritis: Findings from the 2021 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey.

There is little published research on limited physical functioning in United States (US) adults with arthritis. The objective of this cross-sectional 2021 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) database study was to investigate the variables associated with limited physical functioning in US adults with arthritis. Logistic regression tested the associations of predisposing, enabling, and need variables with the dependent variable (limited physical functioning). This study included 5102 US adults with arthritis, reflecting an estimated weighted population of 64,136,870 US adults with arthritis. In the final multivariable logistic regression model, age ≥ 70 and ages 60-69 (vs. 18-49 years), female (vs. male) sex, having quite a bit/extreme or moderate (vs. little) pain, and having 6+ or 4-5 (vs. 0-1) comorbid conditions were all associated with higher odds of the person stating they had limited physical functioning. Whereas high school or less (vs. more than high school), being employed (vs. unemployed), being married (vs. not married), having excellent/very good or good (vs. poor) general health, and exercise (vs. no exercise) were each associated with lower odds of the person reporting they had limited physical functioning. Future work may be considered to explore these variables in greater detail.

Association of physical function with connectivity in the sensorimotor and dorsal attention networks: why examining specific components of physical function matters

Declining physical function with aging is associated with structural and functional brain network organization. Gaining a greater understanding of network associations may be useful for targeting interventions that are designed to slow or prevent such decline. Our previous work demonstrated that the Short Physical Performance Battery (eSPPB) score and body mass index (BMI) exhibited a statistical interaction in their associations with connectivity in the sensorimotor cortex (SMN) and the dorsal attention network (DAN). The current study examined if components of the eSPPB have unique associations with these brain networks. Functional magnetic resonance imaging was performed on 192 participants in the BNET study, a longitudinal and observational trial of community-dwelling adults aged 70 or older. Functional brain networks were generated for resting state and during a motor imagery task. Regression analyses were performed between eSPPB component scores (gait speed, complex gait speed, static balance, and lower extremity strength) and BMI with SMN and DAN connectivity. Gait speed, complex gait speed, and lower extremity strength significantly interacted with BMI in their association with SMN at rest. Gait speed and complex gait speed were interacted with BMI in the DAN at rest while complex gait speed, static balance, and lower extremity strength interacted with BMI in the DAN during motor imagery. Results demonstrate that different components of physical function, such as balance or gait speed and BMI, are associated with unique aspects of brain network organization. Gaining a greater mechanistic understanding of the associations between low physical function, body mass, and brain physiology may lead to the development of treatments that not only target specific physical function limitations but also specific brain networks.

Sex differences in physical functioning among older adults: cross-sectional results from the OUTDOOR ACTIVE study

BackgroundMaintaining good functional ability is a key component of healthy ageing and a basic requirement for carrying out activities of daily living, staying independent, and delaying admission to a nursing home. Even though women have a higher life expectancy and slower age-related muscle mass loss than men, they often show a higher prevalence of limitations in physical functioning. However, the reasons behind these sex differences are still unclear. Therefore, the aims of this study were to investigate sex differences among older adults regarding physical functioning and to study which factors are explaining these sex differences.MethodsCross-sectional data from participants of the OUTDOOR ACTIVE study residing in Bremen, Germany, aged 65 to 75 years, were included in the analyses. Physical functioning was assessed via a self-administered questionnaire using the SF-36 10-item Physical Functioning Scale. Social, lifestyle, and health-related factors were also assessed using the questionnaire. Physical activity was measured objectively using wrist-worn accelerometers over seven consecutive days. Descriptive analyses with absolute and relative frequencies, means and standard deviations, as well as T-tests and chi-square tests were carried out. To test for associations between sex, physical functioning, and several individual factors, linear regressions were performed.ResultsData of 2 141 participants (52.1% female) were included in the study. Women and men showed statistically significant differences in physical functioning, with men perceiving fewer limitations than women. On average, women had a physical functioning score of 81.4 ± 19.3 and men 86.7 ± 17.0. Linear regression showed a statistically significant negative association between physical functioning score and sex (β: -0.15, 95% CL: -0.19, -0.10). The association remained statistically significant when adding individual factors to the model. All factors together were only able to explain 51% of the physical functioning-sex association with health indicators and the presence of chronic diseases being the most influential factors.ConclusionsWe found sex differences in physical functioning, with older women having more limitations than older men. The results showed that health-related factors and chronic diseases played the biggest roles in the different physical functioning scores of women and men. These findings contribute to future longitudinal, more in-depth research.Trial registrationGerman Clinical Trials Register DRKS00015117 (Date of registration 17-07-2018).

Early Rehabilitation With Blood Flow Restriction Therapy Following Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Case Report

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Rotator cuff tears are commonly addressed through arthroscopic surgical intervention and postoperative rehabilitation exercises. The addition of postoperative blood flow restriction therapy (BFRT) in patients with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair has not been described in the literature. The purpose of this case report was to describe the use of BFRT in the postoperative rehabilitation of a patient with arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. CASE PRESENTATION: A 54-year-old male with an arthroscopically treated full-thickness rotator cuff tear completed a 12-week postoperative rehabilitation that included low-intensity resistance exercises with BFRT. Assessment was performed at baseline, at 6 and 12 weeks of treatment, and at 6 months follow-up. At baseline, the patient presented with a reduction in shoulder muscle thickness, strength, and active range of motion and reported shoulder pain and limited physical function. OUTCOME AND FOLLOW-UP: At the 12th week of postoperative physical therapy discharge, the patient showed clinically significant improvements in biceps brachii muscle thickness, abduction and external rotation strength and range of motion of the shoulder, movement-evoked pain, and physical function. DISCUSSION: The addition of BFRT to postoperative rehabilitation exercises may be a valuable therapeutic strategy in arthroscopically treated rotator cuff tears. Randomized clinical trials are needed to evaluate the efficacy of BFRT in patients with arthroscopic rotator cuff repairs. JOSPT Cases 2024;4(3):104-111. Epub 2 July 2024. doi:10.2519/josptcases.2024.0052

Description and outcomes of a staff-assisted peritoneal dialysis program in the United States.

Staff-assisted peritoneal dialysis (PD) can help overcome barriers to self-care but is not yet available in the United States (US). We developed and implemented a staff-assisted PD program that fits within current regulatory and cost restraints in the US healthcare environment. Patient care technicians (PCTs) were trained on PD procedures and troubleshooting common problems. The program expanded from two centers in August 2020 to sixteen by October 2022. We described the logistic elements of program delivery, and patient and treatment outcomes for patients discharged by end of April 2023, with a cohort follow up until October 2023. A total of 121 patients were referred to the program. The most common indications for referral were physical function limitations, cognitive impairment, and psychosocial challenges. Staff assistance was provided for 73 patients. Mean age was 72 (standard deviation 14) years. A total of 604 visits were delivered, with a median 5 (interquartile range [IQR] 3-10, range: 1-49) visits per patient. Median duration of assistance was 8 (IQR: 2-21, range: 1-84) days. Assistance was most frequently needed for PD treatment setup and for observing and directing the technique. No peritonitis events or exit-site infections were reported. Sixty-eight patients (93%) were discharged on PD without staff assistance. The 6- and 12-month survival of PD without assistance was 71% and 57%, respectively. Staff-assisted PD for limited time periods is operationally feasible with PCTs in the US and can support transitioning and maintaining patients on PD.ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04319185.

EPH115 Sex Differences on Limitations in Physical Functioning and Overall Quality of Life of People Living with Myasthenia Gravis from the MGFA Global MG Patient Registry (MGFAPR) in the US

EPH115 Sex Differences on Limitations in Physical Functioning and Overall Quality of Life of People Living with Myasthenia Gravis from the MGFA Global MG Patient Registry (MGFAPR) in the US

Efficacy of golimumab in rheumatoid arthritis patients at high risk of a poor prognosis: Post hoc analysis of GO-FORTH study using cluster analysis.

Our objective was to assess the efficacy of golimumab (GLM) in patients with poor prognostic factors (PPFs). This is a post hoc analysis of GO-FORTH Phase 2/3 study. Cluster analysis was used to determine a patient population with high-risk patterns based on seven PPFs suggested by the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology recommendations and limited physical function. Radiographic progression, disease activity, and physical function and associated factors were evaluated over 52 weeks. Overall, 261 rheumatoid arthritis patients were classified into three clusters characterised by high disease activity, high C-reactive protein levels, and limited physical function at baseline. GLM showed suppression of progressive modified total sharp score and decreases in Disease Activity Score 28-joint counts with erythrocyte sedimentation rate and Health Assessment Questionnaire - Disease Index, in all the clusters. In Cluster C that showed almost all the PPF characteristics, a higher rate of change in modified total sharp score ≤0 was observed in GLM 100 mg group than in GLM 50 mg group (63.9% versus 46.5%). C-reactive protein concentration and physical limitation were associated with radiographic progression of Cluster C in GLM treatment. GLM was effective in rheumatoid arthritis patients in a subpopulation at high risk of PPF in GO-FORTH study. A dose of 100 mg may be more beneficial in preventing radiographic progression in this population.

Development of a Conceptual Model of Physical Functioning Limitations Experienced by Patients with Late-Stage Chronic Kidney Disease: A Qualitative Interview Study

Development of a Conceptual Model of Physical Functioning Limitations Experienced by Patients with Late-Stage Chronic Kidney Disease: A Qualitative Interview Study

Static posture weightbearing joint angle differences in patients with varus ankle osteoarthritis

BackgroundAdvanced varus ankle osteoarthritis is a debilitating disease that can present with limited physical function, severe pain, and diminished quality of life. Weightbearing computed tomography enables submillimeter 3-dimensional visualization, computational analyses, and enhanced diagnoses in reporting complex degenerative changes more accurately. Research questionThis study set to compare static posture weightbearing joint angle differences in healthy and varus ankle osteoarthritis patients (compensated and non-compensated). MethodsOur retrospective assessment included 70 individuals, 44 of whom were diagnosed with advanced varus ankle osteoarthritis, and the remaining 26 were healthy participants to serve as controls. An automatic anatomic coordinate system was applied to each patient’s 3-dimensional talus and calcaneus bone reconstructions from weightbearing computed tomography scans. Subtalar and midtarsal joint angles were calculated using Euler angles. ResultsWe report statistical differences between the healthy group and both advanced varus osteoarthritis groups for midtarsal inversion/eversion. Specifically, both osteoarthritis groups’ midtarsal joints were more inverted and plantarflexed as compared to healthy participants. Compensated and non-compensated subtalar joints were statistically different with respect to inversion/eversion. Non-compensated ankles exhibited a similar mean to healthy ankles who were both less inverted than compensated ankles. SignificanceOur study helps physicians to better understand underlying mechanisms of peritalar compensation in varus ankle osteoarthritis. Patients featuring hindfoot compensation on average had a greater subtalar joint angle indicating greater inversion than healthy and non-compensated patients.

Mental fatigue and chronic fatigue syndrome in clinical practice

Fatigue is an extremely disabling symptom both in healthy people and in various diseases. Physical fatigue is characterized by limitations in physical functioning, while mental/cognitive fatigue involves difficulties in concentrating and performing cognitive tasks. Mental and physical fatigue exist in both pathological and physiological fatigue. Fatigue is primarily an adaptive physiological process. It is a signal to have a rest and helps conserve energy to prevent injury, which can be useful after intense work, or when the body’s defenses need to be redistributed, for example, during infectious disease. It is important to distinguish between fatigue or tiredness and chronic fatigue syndrome in clinical practice. Chronic fatigue syndrome has multisystem manifestations and affects millions of people globally. Although the exact aetiology of chronic fatigue syndrome is uncertain, the studies point to neurological, immunological, autonomic and energy disorders. The main sings of chronic fatigue syndrome are debilitating fatigue that is worsened by activity, poor exercise tolerance, unrefreshing sleep and cognitive impairment. Reduced information processing speed is the most common cognitive impairment in chronic fatigue syndrome. Other manifestations include decreased reaction time, working memory, and attention. These symptoms must persist for at least 3–6 months for a diagnosis to be made. As there are no specific tests for chronic fatigue syndrome, a diagnosis can be established on the basis of a medical history and physical examination.Although there are no standards-based methods specific to chronic fatigue syndrome, clinicians can reduce the severity of symptoms using pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment approaches that have proved their efficacy in clinical practice. In particular, nootropics are widely used in asthenic conditions and chronic fatigue syndrome. Fonturacetam is a nootropic drug that directly activates brain integration activities, promotes memory consolidation, and improves concentration and mental activity.

Abstract PO5-11-07: Short- and long-term treatment-related effects on physical health in breast cancer survivors

Abstract Background. Breast cancer (BC) survivors experience greater physical health declines compared to cancer-free women of the same age, which is thought to be caused by their cancer and its treatment. However, the short- and long-term effects of different types of treatment on physical health are not well understood, especially for hormone therapy. Moreover, whether specific aspects of physical health, such as activities of daily living (ADL), are affected by treatment is unknown. Methods. This analysis was conducted in the Cancer Prevention Study 3 (CPS-3), a prospective cohort study with approximately 300,000 participants enrolled between 2006-2013. Participants returned a baseline survey and triennial follow-up surveys beginning in 2015. Incident, non-metastatic, female BC patients were included in this analysis if they returned a survey at least 90 days after their diagnosis through June 30, 2020, the end of follow-up for this analysis. All 2,551 BC patients included in this study had pre- and post-diagnostic surveys and underwent breast surgery if they were diagnosed with invasive disease. They were matched to up to five cancer-free women on age and year of survey returns (N=12,704). Self-reported physical health and ADL were assessed using the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Global Health Scale instrument. Treatment information was obtained from cancer registries and self-report and included surgery, chemotherapy, radiation and hormonal therapy. Odds Ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) between treatment received and self-reported physical function were estimated using multivariable ordinal logistic regression models at three time points relative to the case’s diagnosis date: before diagnosis, within 90 days to 5 years after diagnosis, and more than 5 years after diagnosis. Results. Median age at diagnosis was 56 years (interquartile range (IQR): 50-62). Approximately 82% of the tumors were hormone-receptor positive. The median times from the three physical health measurements to diagnoses were 1.7 years before diagnosis (IQR: 0.9 – 2.7), 1.7 years (IQR: 0.9 – 2.5) from 90 days to 5 years post-diagnosis and 6.6 years (IQR: 5.5-7.0) for more than 5 years post-diagnosis. There was a significant risk of physical decline within 5 years of diagnosis for women who received chemotherapy or hormonal therapy compared to cancer-free women (Table 1). However, more than 5 years after diagnosis, the risk of physical decline was only observed among those who received chemotherapy. Treatment combinations that included chemotherapy were also associated with a decline in the ability to carry out ADL during the first 5 years. Patients who received hormonal therapy without chemotherapy were comparable to cancer-free women in their ability to carry out ADL during the post-diagnosis period. BC patients who received surgery only or surgery and radiation reported physical health and ADLs similar to cancer-free women within 5 and &amp;gt;5 years after diagnosis. Conclusions. Post-diagnosis physical health decline is time and treatment dependent. Patients receiving chemotherapy have the greatest overall physical health decline and it is long-lasting. Beyond five years from diagnosis, physical health of breast cancer patients who did not receive chemotherapy were similar to cancer-free women. Strategies are needed to help BC patients receiving chemotherapy overcome the long-term physical function limitations of their cancer treatment. Table. Associations between treatment received and physical health and ability to carry out activities of daily living. OR: Odds Ratio; CI: confidence interval; chemo: chemotherapy; radio: radiation therapy; horm: hormonal therapy. *Associations were adjusted for matching factors, which included age and time from diagnosis to measurement of physical health. Citation Format: Clara Bodelon, Matthew Masters, Lauren McCullough, Alpa Patel, Lauren Teras. Short- and long-term treatment-related effects on physical health in breast cancer survivors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 2023 San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium; 2023 Dec 5-9; San Antonio, TX. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(9 Suppl):Abstract nr PO5-11-07.

Disease Burden and Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQoL) of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) in the US - Evidence from the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) from 2016-2019.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a progressive disease associated with reduced life expectancy, increased morbidity, mortality, and cost. This study characterized the US COPD burden, including socioeconomic and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes. In this retrospective, cross-sectional study using nationally representative estimates from Medical Expenditures Survey (MEPS) data (2016-2019), adults (≥18 years) living with and without COPD were identified. Adults living without COPD (control cohort) and with COPD were matched 5:1 on age, sex, geographic region, and entry year. Demographics, clinical characteristics, socioeconomic, and generic HRQoL measures were examined to include a race-stratified analysis of people living with COPD. A total of 4,135 people living with COPD were identified; the matched dataset represented a weighted non-institutionalized population of 11.3 million with and 54.2 million people without COPD. Among people living with COPD, 66.3% had ≥1 COPD-related condition; 62.7% had ≥1 cardiovascular condition, compared to 33.5% and 50.5% without COPD. More people living with COPD were unemployed (56.2% vs 45.3%), unable to work due to illness/disability (30.1% vs 12.1%), had problems paying bills (16.1% vs 8.8%), reported poorer perceived health (fair/poor: 36.2% vs 14.4%), missed more working days due to illness/injury per year (median, 2.5 days vs 0.0 days), and had limitations in physical functioning (40.1% vs 19.4%) (all P<0.0001). In race-stratified analyses for people living with COPD, people self-reporting as Black had higher prevalence of cardiovascular-risk conditions, poorer socioeconomic and HRQoL outcomes, and higher healthcare expenses than White or Other races. Adults living with COPD had higher clinical disease burden, lower socioeconomic status, and reduced HRQoL than those without, with greater disparities among Black people living with COPD compared to White and other races. Understanding the characteristics of patients helps address care disparities and access challenges.