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Depression, anxiety and other psychosocial factors are hypothesized to be involved in cancer development. We examined whether psychosocial factors interact with or modify the effects of health behaviors, such as smoking and alcohol use, in relation to cancer incidence. Two‐stage individual participant data meta‐analyses were performed based on 22 cohorts of the PSYchosocial factors and CAncer (PSY‐CA) study. We examined nine psychosocial factors (depression diagnosis, depression symptoms, anxiety diagnosis, anxiety symptoms, perceived social support, loss events, general distress, neuroticism, relationship status), seven health behaviors/behavior‐related factors (smoking, alcohol use, physical activity, body mass index, sedentary behavior, sleep quality, sleep duration) and seven cancer outcomes (overall cancer, smoking‐related, alcohol‐related, breast, lung, prostate, colorectal). Effects of the psychosocial factor, health behavior and their product term on cancer incidence were estimated using Cox regression. We pooled cohort‐specific estimates using multivariate random‐effects meta‐analyses. Additive and multiplicative interaction/effect modification was examined. This study involved 437,827 participants, 36,961 incident cancer diagnoses, and 4,749,481 person years of follow‐up. Out of 744 combinations of psychosocial factors, health behaviors, and cancer outcomes, we found no evidence of interaction. Effect modification was found for some combinations, but there were no clear patterns for any particular factors or outcomes involved. In this first large study to systematically examine potential interaction and effect modification, we found no evidence for psychosocial factors to interact with or modify health behaviors in relation to cancer incidence. The behavioral risk profile for cancer incidence is similar in people with and without psychosocial stress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cancer and its associated treatment is a major stressor, leading to emotions such as anxiety or depressive mood. Human emotions have developed through the course of evolution because they facilitate adaptation to important events, such as cancer and its associated treatment. On the other hand, emotions can be maladaptive and interfere with adaptation to cancer. Emotions are maladaptive if they are disproportionally severe or persistent, and if they interfere with functioning. We aim to expand the conceptualization of adaptive and maladaptive emotions in patients with cancer. We draw on major theories in the field of mental disorder and mental health, and apply these theories to conceptualize adaptive and maladaptive emotions in patients with cancer. (i) Maladaptive emotions have two essential features: mental dysfunction and patient harm. Maladaptive emotions are characterized by a network of strongly associated emotional symptoms, which may include cancer-related somatic symptoms. The dysfunctional symptom network is hypothesized to be the result of disturbance of life goal pursuit caused by cancer. (ii) Adaptive emotions have two essential features: ability to deal with cancer and functioning well. The ability to use emotions in an adaptive way depends on skills to recognize, express, and regulate emotions in a flexible manner. A secure attachment style facilitates adaptive emotional responses to cancer. The present conceptualization of adaptive and maladaptive emotions is expected to contribute to better understanding and management of emotions in patients with cancer. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Colorectal cancer survivors (CRCS) often experience high levels of distress. The objective of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effect of blended cognitive behavior therapy (bCBT) on distress severity among distressed CRCS. Methods: CRCS (targeted N = 160) with high distress (Distress Thermometer ≥5) between 6 months and 5 years post cancer treatment were randomly allocated (1:1 ratio) to receive bCBT, (14 weeks including five face‐to‐face, and three telephone sessions and access to interactive website), or care as usual (CAU). Participants completed questionnaires at baseline (T0), four (T1) and 7 months later (T2). Intervention participants completed bCBT between T0 and T1. The primary outcome analyzed in the intention‐to‐treat population was distress severity (Brief Symptom Inventory; BSI‐18) immediately post‐intervention (T1). Results: 84 participants were randomized to bCBT (n = 41) or CAU (n = 43). In intention‐to‐treat analysis, the intervention significantly reduced distress immediately post‐intervention (−3.86 points, 95% CI −7.00 to −0.73) and at 7 months post‐randomization (−3.88 points, 95% CI −6.95 to −0.80) for intervention compared to CAU. Among secondary outcomes, at both time points, depression symptoms, anxiety symptoms, cancer worry, and cancer‐specific distress were significantly lower in the intervention arm. Self‐efficacy scores were significantly higher. Overall treatment satisfaction was high (7.4/10, N = 36) and 94% of participants would recommend the intervention to other colorectal cancer patients. Conclusions: The blended COloRectal canceR distrEss reduCTion intervention seems an efficacious psychological intervention to reduce distress severity in distressed CRCS. Yet uncertainty remains about effectiveness because fewer participants than targeted were included in this trial. Trial Registration: Netherlands Trial Register NTR6025. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Depression and anxiety have long been hypothesized to be related to an increased cancer risk. Despite the great amount of research that has been conducted, findings are inconclusive. To provide a stronger basis for addressing the associations between depression, anxiety, and the incidence of various cancer types (overall, breast, lung, prostate, colorectal, alcohol‐related, and smoking‐related cancers), individual participant data (IPD) meta‐analyses were performed within the Psychosocial Factors and Cancer Incidence (PSY‐CA) consortium. Methods: The PSY‐CA consortium includes data from 18 cohorts with measures of depression or anxiety (up to N = 319,613; cancer incidences, 25,803; person‐years of follow‐up, 3,254,714). Both symptoms and a diagnosis of depression and anxiety were examined as predictors of future cancer risk. Two‐stage IPD meta‐analyses were run, first by using Cox regression models in each cohort (stage 1), and then by aggregating the results in random‐effects meta‐analyses (stage 2). Results: No associations were found between depression or anxiety and overall, breast, prostate, colorectal, and alcohol‐related cancers. Depression and anxiety (symptoms and diagnoses) were associated with the incidence of lung cancer and smoking‐related cancers (hazard ratios [HRs], 1.06–1.60). However, these associations were substantially attenuated when additionally adjusting for known risk factors including smoking, alcohol use, and body mass index (HRs, 1.04–1.23). Conclusions: Depression and anxiety are not related to increased risk for most cancer outcomes, except for lung and smoking‐related cancers. This study shows that key covariates are likely to explain the relationship between depression, anxiety, and lung and smoking‐related cancers. Preregistration number: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=157677. In the present study, individual participant data meta‐analyses were conducted to test the associations between anxiety, depression, and the incidence of cancer. Results indicated that depression and anxiety were not associated with an increased risk for cancer, nor when looking at most specific types. The exception to this was lung cancer and smoking‐related cancers; however, this association was substantially reduced when adjusting for several health behaviors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Pain management during a vaso‐occlusive crisis (VOC) for patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) remains a major challenge and strongly depends on opioids. We developed a multimodality pain protocol for rapid, opioid‐sparing pain treatment of VOC and evaluated its feasibility. Methods: Patients were included for evaluation if they were ≥18 years, diagnosed with SCD and visited the emergency department (ED) because of VOC between July 2018 and December 2020. Primary evaluation outcome was the feasibility of multimodal pain analgesia (i.e., the use of at least two analgesics with different underlying mechanisms of action). Results: A total of 131 SCD patients visited the ED because of VOC with a total of 550 ED presentations, of which 377 were eventually hospitalised. A total of 508 (92.4%) ED presentations and 374 (99.2%) hospital admissions received multimodal pain treatment. Time to first administration of an opioid was median [IQR] 34.0 [21.0–62.0] minutes. Conclusion: The implementation of a pain protocol using multimodal analgesia for VOC in patients with SCD appeared to be feasible and facilitated rapid administration of opioids. Controlled trials are needed to investigate the effectiveness of multimodal analgesia on pain and should focus on patient reported outcome measures. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: In daily practice, oncologists and nurses frequently need to decide whether or not to refer a patient for professional mental health care. We explored the indicators oncologists and nurses use to judge the need for professional mental health care in patients with cancer. Methods: In a qualitative study, oncologists (n = 8) and nurses (n = 6) were each asked to select patients who were or were not referred for professional mental health care (total n = 75). During a semi-structured interview, they reflected on their decision concerning the possible referral of the patient. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Results: Respondents reported using a strategy when judging whether professional mental health care was needed. They allowed patients time to adjust, while monitoring patients' psychological well-being, especially if patients exhibited specific risk factors. Risk and protective factors for emotional problems included personal, social, and disease- and treatment-related factors. Respondents considered referral for professional mental health care when they noted specific indicators of emotional problems. These indicators included lingering or increasing emotions, a disproportionate intensity of emotions, and emotions with a negative impact on a patient's daily life or treatment. Conclusions: This study identified the strategy, risk and protective factors, and the indicators of emotional problems used by oncologists and nurses when judging the need for professional mental health care in patients with cancer. Implications for Cancer Survivors: Oncologists and nurses can play an important role in the identification of patients in need of professional mental health care. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The term "psychologically informed health care" refers to the comprehensive integration of psychological principles into health care. Psychologically informed health care has the potential to lead to a transformation of care, resulting in truly transdisciplinary care. To facilitate its future development, we discuss key characteristics of this approach. These include the direct mode (psychologists assessing and treating patients themselves) and indirect mode (psychologists working through other health care providers) of integrating psychological principles into healthcare; the range of health domains targeted using this approach; transdisciplinary care, transcending traditional disciplinary boundaries; and the positioning of care. We describe a framework for transdisciplinary care, which we refer to as the Framework for Catalytic Collaboration. This framework comprises six dimensions: setting, disciplines, patients/clients, mode of psychological care, primary components of care, and primary targets of care. We also provide four brief illustrations of psychologically informed health care. Finally, we discuss future directions, including the need for professional recognition of the indirect mode, financing of the indirect mode, cross-disciplinary training and trans-disciplinary research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article is a response to comments made by Dr. Waseem Jerjes regarding the relationship between psychosocial stress and cancer risk. The authors of the article, part of the psychosocial factors and cancer (PSY-CA) consortium, aimed to investigate the role of various psychosocial factors in the risk of overall cancer, as well as specific types of cancer. They found little evidence of a direct relationship between psychosocial stress and cancer incidence, except for lung cancer where smoking played a mediating role. The authors acknowledge the importance of distinguishing between acute and chronic stress and suggest that future studies should consider the impact of psychosocial stress on health behaviors, which are known to increase cancer risk. The study was funded by the KWF Dutch Cancer Society and the authors declare no conflicts of interest. [Extracted from the article]

Objective: High psychological distress is reported by one third of colorectal cancer survivors (CRCS). However, intervention studies for CRCS have reported low participation rates. In this study, reasons for non‐participation and low uptake in a psychological intervention trial were investigated. Methods: CRCS were recruited for a randomized clinical trial on the efficacy of blended cognitive behavior therapy for psychological distress via databases, follow‐up consultations, advertisements and an ongoing population‐based study. The recruitment flow and reasons for non‐participation were analyzed for patients recruited between 2016 and 2020. Subgroups were compared based on demographic, clinical and screening data. High distress as study entry criterion was measured with the Distress Thermometer (DT ≥ 5) and the problem list (PL). Results: From all recruitment methods together, 1326 CRCS responded to the invitation letter of whom 510 (38%) were interested in receiving a screening questionnaire. Interested CRCS were significantly younger than non‐interested CRCS (p < 0.001). Most non‐interested CRCS reported having no complaints. Of interested CRCS, 448 (88%) completed screening with the DT of which 213 (48%) CRCS scored above the DT cutoff for high distress. The majority expressed no need for help resulting in 84 (4% of eligible) CRCS included in the trial. Younger age, shorter time since diagnosis and more problems on the PL were positively related to participation. Conclusions: In this study a low participation rate was found. However, patients with high distress and most in need for help were included in the trial. For future research it is recommended to perform pilot‐ and feasibility studies to optimize recruitment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: GPs can play a central role in the care of patients with persistent somatic symptoms (PSS). To date, little is known about these patients' experiences relating to their coordination of care. Aim: To explore the experiences of patients with PSS relating to coordination of care — in particular by their GP — during their illness trajectory. Design and setting: This qualitative study was carried out from January to April 2019 in the Netherlands as part of a multicentre prospective cohort study on the course of PSS (PROSPECTS). Method: Thematic content analysis of 15 interviews. Results: Three themes were identified: care fragmentation during the diagnostic trajectory; transition from the search for a cure to coping; and reframing to coping: GPs' role in facilitating supportive care. Patients experienced a lack of collaboration from healthcare workers during the diagnostic trajectory. Guidance by their GP in a process of shared decision making was positively valued by patients. Moving the focus from searching for a cure to coping with symptoms was described as a 'personal endeavour', made even more challenging by the ongoing uncertainty experienced by patients. When reframing to coping, the extent to which patients felt aligned with their GP played an important role in whether their supportive care request was met. Conclusion: Patients experienced difficulties when navigating the diagnostic trajectory and shifting to coping. The findings of this study underline the importance of collaboration between GPs and other healthcare professionals during the diagnostic trajectory. The authors recommend that GPs provide proactive guidance and are sensitive to patients who shift to coping by providing them with supportive care in a process of shared decision making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study examined the prevalence and pattern of comorbidity among Chinese patients with first-ever acute ischemic stroke, and assessed the associations of specific comorbidity patterns with physical and cognitive functioning after stroke occurrence. A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 2,151 patients with first-ever ischemic stroke (age ≥40 years; 64.2% men) who were admitted to two university hospitals in Shandong, China between 2016 and 2017. Data on demographics, lifestyles, chronic health conditions, and use of medications were collected through in-person interviews, clinical examinations, and laboratory tests. Physical functioning was assessed by the Barthel index (BI) and the modified Rankin Scale (mRS) while cognitive functioning was assessed by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment test. The results showed that comorbidity was present in 90.9% of the stroke patients (women vs. men: 95.2 vs. 88.7%, P < 0.001). Exploratory factor analysis identified three patterns of comorbidity, i.e., patterns of degenerative-cardiopulmonary, heartgastrointestinal-psychiatric, and metabolic-kidney diseases. The number of comorbidities was significantly associated with a higher likelihood of moderate-to-severe physical dependence [odds ratio (95% CI) = 1.15 (1.06-1.25) for BI and 1.12 (1.04-1.21) for mRS, all P < 0.01] and cognitive impairment [odds ratio (95% CI) = 1.11 (1.02-1.20), P = 0.017], after adjusting for multiple covariates. Almost all the three comorbidity patterns were associated with increased likelihoods of physical dependence (range for odds ratios: 1.26-1.33) and cognitive impairment (range for odds ratios: 1.25-1.34). No significant association was found between degenerative-cardiopulmonary pattern and mRS. These findings suggest that comorbidity is associated with poor physical and cognitive functioning during the acute phase of ischemic stroke. Routine assessments of comorbidity and cognitive and physical function among patients with acute ischemic stroke should be considered in stroke research and clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been well linked with coronary heart disease (CHD) in the general population, but studies have rarely explored their association among patients with stroke. We examine prevalence of MetS and its association with CHD in patients with first-ever ischemic stroke. This hospital-based study included 1851 patients with first-ever ischemic stroke (mean age 61.2 years, 36.5% women) who were hospitalized into two university hospitals in Shandong, China (January 2016–February 2017). Data were collected through interviews, physical examinations, and laboratory tests. MetS was defined following the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) criteria, the International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria, and the Chinese Diabetes Society (CDS) criteria. CHD was defined following clinical criteria. Data were analyzed using binary logistic regression models. The overall prevalence of MetS was 33.4% by NECP criteria, 47.2% by IDF criteria, and 32.5% by CDS criteria, with the prevalence being decreased with age and higher in women than in men (p < 0.05). High blood pressure, high triglycerides, and low HDL-C were significantly associated with CHD (multi-adjusted odds ratio [OR] range 1.27–1.38, p < 0.05). The multi-adjusted OR of CHD associated with MetS defined by the NECP criteria, IDF criteria, and CDS criteria (vs. no MetS) was 1.27 (95% confidence interval 1.03–1.57), 1.44 (1.18–1.76), and 1.27 (1.03–1.57), respectively. In addition, having 1–2 abnormal components (vs. none) of MetS was associated with CHD (multi-adjusted OR range 1.66–1.72, p < 0.05). MetS affects over one-third of patients with first-ever ischemic stroke. MetS is associated with an increased likelihood of CHD in stroke patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To assess whether (i) high-intensity resistance training (RT) leads to increased muscle strength compared to low-intensity RT in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA); and (ii) RT with vitamin D supplementation leads to increased muscle strength compared to placebo in a subgroup with vitamin D deficiency. Design: Randomized controlled trial Setting: Outpatient rehabilitation centre Subjects: Patients with knee OA Interventions: 12 weeks of RT at high-intensity RT (70–80% of 1-repetition maximum (1-RM)) or low-intensity RT (40–50% of 1-RM) and 24 weeks of vitamin D (1200 International units vitamin D3 per day) or placebo supplementation. Main measures: Primary outcome measure was isokinetic muscle strength. Other outcome measure for muscle strength was the estimated 1-RM. Secondary outcome measures were knee pain and physical functioning. Results: 177 participants with a mean age of 67.6 ± 5.8 years were included, of whom 50 had vitamin D deficiency. Isokinetic muscle strength (in Newton metre per kilogram bodyweight) at start, end and 24 weeks after the RT was 0.98 ± 0.40, 1.11 ± 0.40, 1.09 ± 0.42 in the high-intensity group and 1.02 ± 0.41, 1.15 ± 0.42, 1.12 ± 0.40 in the low-intensity group, respectively. No differences were found between the groups, except for the estimated 1-RM in favour of the high-intensity group. In the subgroup with vitamin D deficiency, no difference on isokinetic muscle strength was found between the vitamin D and placebo group. Conclusions: High-intensity RT did not result in greater improvements in isokinetic muscle strength, pain and physical functioning compared to low-intensity RT in knee OA, but was well tolerated. Therefore these results suggest that either intensity of resistance training could be utilised in exercise programmes for patients with knee osteoarthritis. No synergistic effect of vitamin D supplementation and RT was found, but this finding was based on underpowered data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate the experience of clients and clinicians in working with a tool to help set goals that are personally meaningful to rehabilitation clients. Design: We have applied the tool in the outpatient rehabilitation setting. Clients' and clinicians' experiences in working with the tool were evaluated in individual, semi-structured interviews and focus group interviews, respectively. Thematic analysis was used to analyze the data. Setting: A university medical center and a rehabilitation center. Subjects: Clients with a first-time stroke (n = 8) or multiple sclerosis (n = 10), and clinicians (n = 38). Intervention: The tool to help set meaningful goals consisted of a session (i) to explore the client's fundamental beliefs, goals and attitudes and (ii) to identify a meaningful overall rehabilitation goal. The results of that session were used by the multidisciplinary rehabilitation team (iii) to help the client to set specific rehabilitation goals that served to achieve the meaningful overall rehabilitation goal. Results: Both clients and clinicians reported that the tool helped to set a meaningful overall rehabilitation goal and specific goals that became meaningful as they served to achieve the overall goal. This contributed to clients' intrinsic rehabilitation motivation. In some clients, the meaningfulness of the rehabilitation goals facilitated the process of behavior change. Both clients and clinicians made suggestions on how the tool could be further improved. Conclusion: In the opinion of both clients and clinicians, the tool does indeed result in goal setting that is personally meaningful. Further development, implementation and evaluation of the tool is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: The effectiveness of a 12-month home-exercise program on trunk muscle strength after lumbar spine fusion surgery was evaluated. Three months postoperatively, 98 patients were randomized either to the exercise group (EG), with a progressive 12-month home-based exercise program, or to usual care group (UCG), with one guidance session for light home-exercises. Maximal trunk muscle strength was measured by a strain-gauge dynamometer and trunk extensor endurance was measured by Biering-Sørensen's test at baseline and after the intervention. The mean change in extension strength during the intervention was 75 N in EG and 58 N in UCG. Flexion strength improved 50 N in UCG and 45 N in EG. Trunk extension/flexion strength ratio changed from 0.90 to 1.02 in EG and from 0.98 to 1.00 in UCG. In EG, Biering-Sørensen's test improved by 17 s, and in UCG, it improved by 24 s. No statistically significant between-group differences were found in any variables. Median exercise frequency in EG decreased from 2.5×/week during the first two intervention months to 1.7×/week during the last two intervention months. Twelve-month progressive exercise program was equally effective as usual care in improving trunk muscle strength. Home exercise adherence decreased, which may have influenced the strength changes. The 12-month home-based exercise program was equally as effective as usual care after lumbar spine fusion (LSF) in improving trunk muscle strength, however, the back-specific exercises led to better trunk muscle strength balance in exercise group only. The adherence to the home based exercise program is a challenge; therefore, different techniques could be implemented to provide purposeful support for each individual in their long-term exercising. It is important to recognize those who need more individualized rehabilitation in recovery of the spine function, while others may manage with subtle intervention after LSF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Quadriceps weakness is assumed to be associated with compositional properties of the vastus medialis muscle in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). Methods: The aim was to determine the association of non-contractile muscle tissue in the vastus medialis muscle, measured with routine MRI, with muscle extensor strength in patients with knee OA. Sagittal T1-weighted 3T MRI of 94 patients with knee OA, routinely acquired in clinical practice were used for analysis. Using the MRI's, the amount of non-contractile muscle tissue in the vastus medialis muscle was measured, expressed as a percentage of (non)-contractile tissue, dichotomized into a low and a high non-contractile percentage group. Muscle strength was assessed by isokinetic measurement of knee extensors and by conduction of the Get-Up and Go (GUG) test. In regression analyses, associations of percentage of non-contractile muscle tissue with muscle strength and GUG time were determined and controlled for sex, age, BMI and radiographic severity. Results: A high percentage of non-contractile muscle tissue (> 11.2%) was associated with lower muscle strength (B = -0.25, P = 0.006) and with longer GUG time (B = 1.09, P = 0.021). These associations were specifically confounded by sex and BMI, because these two variables decreased the regression coefficient (B) with > 10%. Conclusions: A high percentage of non-contractile muscle tissue in the vastus medialis muscle measured by clinical T1-weighted 3T MRI is associated with muscle weakness. The association is confounded by sex and BMI. Non-contractile muscle tissue seems to be an important compositional property of the vastus medialis muscle underlying quadriceps weakness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Fear of cancer recurrence, depressive symptoms, and cancer-related fatigue are prevalent symptoms among cancer survivors, adversely affecting patients' quality of life and daily functioning. Effect sizes of interventions targeting these symptoms are mostly small to medium. Personalizing treatment is assumed to improve efficacy. However, thus far the empirical support for this approach is lacking. The aim of this study is to investigate if systematically personalized cognitive behavioral therapy is more efficacious than standard cognitive behavioral therapy in cancer survivors with moderate to severe fear of cancer recurrence, depressive symptoms, and/or cancer-related fatigue.Methods: The study is designed as a non-blinded, multicenter randomized controlled trial with two treatment arms (ratio 1:1): (a) systematically personalized cognitive behavioral therapy and (b) standard cognitive behavioral therapy. In the standard treatment arm, patients receive an evidence-based diagnosis-specific treatment protocol for fear of cancer recurrence, depressive symptoms, or cancer-related fatigue. In the second arm, treatment is personalized on four dimensions: (a) the allocation of treatment modules based on ecological momentary assessments, (b) treatment delivery, (c) patients' needs regarding the symptom for which they want to receive treatment, and (d) treatment duration. In total, 190 cancer survivors who experience one or more of the targeted symptoms and ended their medical treatment with curative intent at least 6 months to a maximum of 5 years ago will be included. Primary outcome is limitations in daily functioning. Secondary outcomes are level of fear of cancer recurrence, depressive symptoms, fatigue severity, quality of life, goal attainment, therapist time, and drop-out rates. Participants are assessed at baseline (T0), and after 6 months (T1) and 12 months (T2).Discussion: To our knowledge, this is the first randomized controlled trial comparing the efficacy of personalized cognitive behavioral therapy to standard cognitive behavioral therapy in cancer survivors. The study has several innovative characteristics, among which is the personalization of interventions on several dimensions. If proven effective, the results of this study provide a first step in developing an evidence-based framework for personalizing therapies in a systematic and replicable way.Trial Registration: The Dutch Trial Register (NTR) NL7481 (NTR7723). Registered on 24 January 2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: To investigate the associations between cardiovascular health (CVH) metrics and health-related quality of life (HRQL) among patients with ischemic stroke in China, and further explore the role of physical and cognitive function in their associations. Methods: This hospital-based study included 1714 patients with first-ever acute ischemic stroke (age ≥ 40 years; 36.7% women) who were admitted to two university hospitals in Shandong, China. We collected information on seven CVH metrics (smoking, body mass index, diet, physical activity, blood pressure, total cholesterol, and fasting blood glucose) through interviews, clinical examinations, and laboratory tests. EQ-5D-3L was used to assess HRQL. Cognitive and physical functioning was assessed by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment test and Barthel index, respectively. Data were analyzed using the general linear regression models. Results: The average score (SD) was 0.746 (0.23) for HRQL index and 72.7 (15.8) for self-rated health. Optimal levels of four individual CVH metric components (diet, physical activity, blood pressure, and blood glucose) and a higher composite CVH score were significantly associated with a greater HRQL index and better self-rated health (p < 0.05 for all). Physical dependence and cognitive impairment were associated with a lower HRQL index and poorer self-rated health status (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the relationships between CVH metrics and HRQL index varied by functional status, such that their associations were statistically significant only among people who had physical dependence or cognitive impairment. Conclusion: Achieving a better cardiovascular health profile is associated with better quality of life among ischemic stroke survivors, primarily in those with physical or cognitive impairment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We recently developed a model of stratified exercise therapy, consisting of (i) a stratification algorithm allocating patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA) into one of the three subgroups ('high muscle strength subgroup' representing a post-traumatic phenotype, 'low muscle strength subgroup' representing an age-induced phenotype, and 'obesity subgroup' representing a metabolic phenotype) and (ii) subgroup-specific exercise therapy. In the present study, we aimed to test the construct validity of this algorithm.Methods: Data from five studies (four exercise therapy trial cohorts and one cross-sectional cohort) were used to test the construct validity of our algorithm by 63 a priori formulated hypotheses regarding three research questions: (i) are the proportions of patients in each subgroup similar across cohorts? (15 hypotheses); (ii) are the characteristics of each of the subgroups in line with their proposed underlying phenotypes? (30 hypotheses); (iii) are the effects of usual exercise therapy in the 3 subgroups in line with the proposed effect sizes? (18 hypotheses).Results: Baseline data from a total of 1211 patients with knee OA were analyzed for the first and second research question, and follow-up data from 584 patients who were part of an exercise therapy arm within a trial for the third research question. In total, the vast majority (73%) of the hypotheses were confirmed. Regarding our first research question, we found similar proportions in each of the three subgroups across cohorts, especially for three cohorts. Regarding our second research question, subgroup characteristics were almost completely in line with the proposed underlying phenotypes. Regarding our third research question, usual exercise therapy resulted in similar, medium to large effect sizes for knee pain and physical function for all three subgroups.Conclusion: We found mixed results regarding the construct validity of our stratification algorithm. On the one hand, it is a valid instrument to consistently allocate patients into subgroups that aligned our hypotheses. On the other hand, in contrast to our hypotheses, subgroups did not differ substantially in effects of usual exercise therapy. An ongoing trial will assess whether this algorithm accompanied by subgroup-specific exercise therapy improves clinical and economic outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: In the past decades, behavioral medicine has attained global recognition. Due to its global reach, a critical need has emerged to consider whether the original definition of behavioral medicine is still valid, comprehensive, and inclusive, and to reconsider the main tasks and goals of the International Society of Behavioral Medicine (ISBM), as the umbrella organization in the field. The purpose of the present study was to (i) update the definition and scope of behavioral medicine and its defining characteristics; and (ii) develop a proposal on ISBM's main tasks and goals. Method: Our study used the Delphi method. A core group prepared a discussion paper. An international Delphi panel rated questions and provided comments. The panel intended to reach an a priori defined level of consensus (i.e., 70%). Results: The international panel reached consensus on an updated definition and scope of behavioral medicine as a field of research and practice that builds on collaboration among multiple disciplines. These disciplines are concerned with development and application of behavioral and biomedical evidence across the disease continuum in clinical and public health domains. Consensus was reached on a proposal for ISBM's main tasks and goals focused on supporting communication and collaboration across disciplines and participating organizations; stimulating research, education, and practice; and supporting individuals and organizations in the field. Conclusion: The consensus on definition and scope of behavioral medicine and ISBM's tasks and goals provides a foundational step toward achieving these goals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite well-documented health benefits, adults with a physical chronic condition do not meet the recommended physical activity (PA) guidelines. Therefore, secondary prevention programs focusing on PA are needed. Web-based interventions have shown promise in the promotion of PA behavior change. We conducted a systematic review to summarize the evidence about the effectiveness of web-based PA interventions in adults with chronic disease. Methods: Articles were included if they evaluated a web-based PA intervention and used a randomized design. Moreover, studies were eligible for inclusion if they used a non- or minimal-treatment control group and if PA outcomes measures were applied. Seven articles were included. Results: Three high-quality studies were statistically significant to the control group, whereas 2 high- and 2 low-quality studies reported nonsignificant findings. Conclusion: Our best evidence synthesis revealed that there is conflicting evidence on the effectiveness of web-based PA interventions in patients with a chronic disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Screening for distress and referral for the provision of psychosocial care is currently the preferred approach to the management of distress in patients with cancer. To date, this approach has shown a limited effect on the reduction of distress. Recent commentaries have argued that the implementation of distress screening should be improved. On the other hand, the underlying assumption that a referral for psychosocial care is required for distressed patients can be questioned. This has led to the development of an alternative approach, called emotional support and case finding.Purpose: In the context of finding innovative solutions to tomorrow's health challenges, we explore ways to optimize distress management in patients with cancer.Methods and Results: We discuss three different approaches: (i) optimization of screening and referral, (ii) provision of emotional support and case finding, and (iii) a hybrid approach with multiple assessments, using mobile technology.Conclusions: We suggest continued research on the screening and referral approach, to broaden the evidence-base on improving emotional support and case finding, and to evaluate the utility of multiple assessments of distress with new interactive mobile tools. Lessons learned from these efforts can be applied to other disease areas, such as cardiovascular disease or diabetes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: Pain interference and pain behavior are highly relevant outcomes in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The Patient‐Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) is a universally applicable set of item banks measuring patient‐reported health, and if applied as computerized adaptive tests (CATs), more efficiently and precisely than current instruments. The objective was to study the psychometric properties of the Dutch‐Flemish PROMIS pain interference (PROMIS‐PI) and the PROMIS pain behavior (PROMIS‐PB) item banks in patients with RA. Methods: A total of 2,029 patients with RA completed the full PROMIS‐PI (version 1.1, 40 items), and 1,554 patients completed the full PROMIS‐PB (version 1.1, 39 items). The following psychometric properties were studied: unidimensionality, local dependence, monotonicity and graded response model (GRM) fit, cross‐cultural validity (differential item functioning [DIF] for language [Dutch versus Flemish]), other forms of measurement invariance, construct validity, reliability, and floor and ceiling effects. Results: The PROMIS‐PI and PROMIS‐PB banks were sufficiently unidimensional (Omega‐hierarchical [Omega‐H] 0.99, 0.95, and explained common variance 0.95, 0.78, respectively), had negligible local dependence (0.3–1.4% of item pairs), good monotonicity (H 0.75, 0.46), and a good GRM model fit (no misfitting items). Furthermore, both item banks showed good cross‐cultural validity (no DIF for language), measurement invariance (no DIF for age, sex, administration mode, and disease activity), good construct validity (all hypotheses met), high reliability (>0.90 in the range of patients with RA), and an absence of floor and ceiling effects (0% minimum or maximum score, respectively). Conclusion: Both PROMIS‐PI and PROMIS‐PB banks showed good psychometric properties in patients with RA and can be used as CATs in research and clinical practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives To explore patients’ experiences with fluctuations in persistent physical symptoms (PPS) and to understand which factors—from their viewpoint—play a role in these fluctuations. Design Qualitative study using semistructured interviews and thematic content analysis. setting This qualitative study is part of a multicentre prospective cohort study on the course of PPS. Patients were recruited in general practices and specialised treatment facilities for PPS throughout the Netherlands. Participants Interviews were conducted with a sample of fifteen patients with PPS to explore their experiences with fluctuations in symptom severity. results We identified three themes in the analysis: (1) patterns in symptom fluctuations (2) perceived causes of symptom exacerbations and (3) Patients’ strategies in gaining control over symptom exacerbations. Daily and weekly fluctuations in symptoms were an important element in patients’ experiences. In particular anticipating on the worsening of symptoms impacted their daily routines and posed various challenges. Symptom exacerbations were attributed to overstepping physical limits and/or the impact of negative emotions. Resigning to physical limits, adjusting ones daily planning, weighing personal needs and learning to say ‘no’ were described as different strategies in gaining control over symptom exacerbations. Conclusions Fluctuations in the severity of symptoms—and in particular daily and weekly symptom exacerbations—are an important element of the symptom experience in patients with PPS and poses various challenges. Patients attributed symptom exacerbation to overstepping physical limits and/or negative emotions. Patients described different strategies in gaining control over symptom exacerbations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Psychological distress is highly prevalent among patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. Aims: To perform an economic evaluation of a combined screening and treatment program targeting psychological distress in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer in comparison with usual care. Design: Societal costs were collected alongside a cluster randomized controlled trial for 48 weeks. A total of 349 participants were included. Setting: Participants were recruited from oncology departments at 16 participating hospitals in the Netherlands. Methods: Outcome measures were the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale and quality-adjusted life-years. Missing data were imputed using multiple imputation. Uncertainty was estimated using bootstrapping. Cost-effectiveness planes and cost-effectiveness acceptability curves were estimated to show uncertainty surrounding the cost-effectiveness estimates. Sensitivity analyses were performed to check robustness of results. Results: Between treatment arms, no significant differences were found in Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale score (mean difference: –0.058; 95% confidence interval: –0.13 to 0.011), quality-adjusted life-years (mean difference: 0.042; 95% confidence interval: –0.015 to 0.099), and societal costs (mean difference: –1152; 95% confidence interval: –5058 to 2214). Cost-effectiveness acceptability curves showed that the probability of cost-effectiveness was 0.64 and 0.74 at willingness-to-pay values of €0 and €10,000 per point improvement on the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, respectively. The probability that the intervention was cost-effective compared to usual care for quality-adjusted life-years was 0.64 and 0.79 at willingness-to-pay values of €0 and €20,000 per quality-adjusted life-year, respectively. Conclusion: The intervention is dominant over usual care, primarily due to lower costs in the intervention group. However, there were no statistically significant differences in clinical effects and the uptake of the intervention was quite low. Therefore, widespread implementation cannot be recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Foot problems are highly prevalent in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Treatment of foot problems related to rheumatoid arthritis often consists of custom made foot orthoses. One of the assumed working mechanisms of foot orthoses is redistribution of plantar pressure by creating a larger weight bearing area. Overall, the reported treatment effect of foot orthoses on foot pain in rheumatoid arthritis is small to medium. Therefore, we developed a foot orthoses optimization protocol for evaluation and adaptation of foot orthoses by using the feedback of in-shoe plantar pressure measurements. The objectives of the present study were: 1) to evaluate the 3-months outcomes of foot orthoses developed according to the protocol on pain, physical functioning and forefoot plantar pressure in patients with foot problems related to rheumatoid arthritis, and 2) to determine the relationship between change in forefoot plantar pressure and change in pain and physical functioning.Methods: Forty-five patients with foot problems related to rheumatoid arthritis were included and received foot orthoses developed according to the protocol. Outcome measures were assessed at baseline and after three months of wearing foot orthoses in 38 patients. Change scores and effect sizes (ES) were calculated for pain, physical functioning and plantar pressure. In a subgroup of patients with combined forefoot pain and high plantar pressure, the relationship between change in plantar pressure and change in pain and physical functioning was analyzed.Results: In the total group of 38 patients, statistically significant changes in pain (ES 0.69), physical functioning (ES 0.82) and forefoot plantar pressure (ES 0.35) were found. In the subgroup (n = 23) no statistically significant relationships were found between change in plantar pressure and change in pain or physical functioning.Conclusion: Foot orthoses developed according to a protocol for improving the plantar pressure redistribution properties lead to medium to large improvements in pain and physical functioning. The hypothesis that more pressure reduction would lead to better clinical outcomes could not be proven. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The objectives of the present study were to: (1) evaluate the effect of an educational course on competence (knowledge and clinical reasoning) of primary care physical therapists (PTs) in treating patients with knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and comorbidity according to the developed strategy; and (2) identify facilitators and barriers for usage. Method: The present research was an observational study with a pretest‐posttest design using mixed methods. PTs were offered a postgraduate course consisting of e‐learning and two workshops (blended education) on the application of a strategy for exercise prescription in patients with KOA and comorbidity. Competences were measured by questionnaire on knowledge (administered before and 2 weeks after the course), and a patient vignette to measure clinical reasoning (administered before the course and after a 6 month period of treating patients). Facilitators and barriers for using the strategy were assessed by a questionnaire and semi‐structured interviews. Results: Thirty‐four PTs were included. Competence (knowledge and clinical reasoning) improved significantly (p < 0.01). Fourteen out of 34 PTs had actually treated patients with KOA and comorbidity, during a 6‐month period. The strategy was found to be feasible in daily practice. The main barriers included the limited number of (self‐) referrals of patients, limited number of reimbursed treatment sessions by insurance companies and a suboptimal collaboration with (referring) physicians. Conclusion: A blended course on exercise therapy for patients with KOA and comorbidity seems to improve PTs' competence through increasing knowledge and clinical reasoning skills. Identified barriers should be solved before large‐scale implementation of exercise therapy can take place in these complex patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: (1) To investigate the prevalence of poor sleep quality and (2) to explore the associations between clinical, cognitive, and emotional factors and quality of sleep in patients with chronic widespread pain (CWP) receiving multidisciplinary treatment. Method: Baseline data were used from 163 patients with CWP referred for multidisciplinary treatment. Linear regression models were used to assess the relationship of clinical (pain, fatigue, pain interference, and disability), emotional (anxiety, depression, and psychological distress), and cognitive factors (catastrophizing, acceptance, self‐efficacy, kinesiophobia and illness beliefs) with sleep quality, as measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Results: Poor sleep quality was found in 92% of the patients. The multivariable model showed that a higher level of fatigue (b = 1.77, standard error [SE] = 0.62, β = 0.21, t = 2.87, P < 0.01), psychological distress (b = 0.02, SE = 0.01, β = 0.27, t = 3.50, P < 0.01), and more concerns about the illness (b = 0.46, SE = 0.18, β = 0.20, t = 2.57, P = 0.01) were independently associated with poorer quality of sleep. The overall linear regression model explains 27.9% of sleep quality. Conclusions: The high prevalence of poor sleep quality in patients with CWP referred for multidisciplinary treatment emphasizes the need to target sleep during treatment. Further research is needed to disentangle the cause–effect relationship between fatigue, psychological distress, and concerns about the illness and poor sleep (note: this abstract has been published before [Ann Rheum Dis. 2018;77:A1788]). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: Exercise therapy is an effective intervention in a variety of chronic diseases. The prescription of exercise therapy is usually directed toward an index disease. The presence of comorbidity may require adaptations to the exercise program as intended for the index disease. This paper aims to structure the clinical reasoning process of health professionals when prescribing exercise therapy for the individual patient with an index disease and comorbidity. Methods: We adapted the previously published strategy for developing guidelines and protocols on comorbidity-adapted exercise to a version that can be used for individual exercise prescription. Results: Essential steps and considerations involved in prescribing an exercise program to an individual patient with comorbidity are described. A case description is used as an example of how the proposed strategy leads to clinical decisions. Conclusions: The proposed strategy may have a role in educational and professional development. The advanced clinical expertise needed for safe and effective exercise therapy in patients with a complex health status is emphasized. The presence of comorbidity may require adaptations to exercise therapy. We describe the essential steps and considerations involved in prescribing an exercise program to an individual patient with an index disease and comorbidity. The proposed strategy can be used to structure the clinical reasoning process of health professionals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

E-Exercise is an effective 12-week blended intervention consisting of around five face-to-face physiotherapy sessions and a web-based application for patients with hip/knee osteoarthritis. In order to facilitate effective implementation of e-Exercise, this study aims to identify physiotherapists' experiences and determinants related to the usage of e-Exercise. Methods: An explanatory sequential mixed methods design embedded in a randomized controlled trial comparing e-Exercise with usual physiotherapy in patients with hip/knee osteoarthritis. Usage of e-Exercise was based on recruitment rates of 123 physiotherapists allocated to e-Exercise and objective web-based application usage data. Experiences and determinants related to e-Exercise usage were investigated with a questionnaire and clarified with semi-structured interviews. Results: Of the 123 physiotherapists allocated to e-Exercise, 54 recruited more than one eligible patient, of whom 10 physiotherapists continued using e-Exercise after the study period. Physiotherapists had mixed experiences with e-Exercise. Determinants related to intervention usage were appropriateness, added value, time, workload, professional autonomy, environmental factors, and financial consequences. Physiotherapists recommended to improve the ability to tailor e-Exercise to the individual needs of the patient patients' individual needs. Discussion: Determinants related to the usage of e-Exercise provided valuable information for the implementation of e-Exercise on broader scale. Most importantly, the flexibility of e-Exercise needs to be improved. Next, there is a need for education on how to integrate an online program within physiotherapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is characterized by its heterogeneity, with large differences in clinical characteristics between patients. Therefore, a stratified approach to exercise therapy, whereby patients are allocated to homogeneous subgroups and receive a stratified, subgroup‐specific intervention, can be expected to optimize current clinical effects. Recently, we developed and pilot tested a model of stratified exercise therapy based on clinically relevant subgroups of knee OA patients that we previously identified. Based on the promising results, it is timely to evaluate the (cost‐)effectiveness of stratified exercise therapy compared with usual, "nonstratified" exercise therapy. Methods: A pragmatic cluster randomized controlled trial including economic and process evaluation, comparing stratified exercise therapy with usual care by physical therapists (PTs) in primary care, in a total of 408 patients with clinically diagnosed knee OA. Eligible physical therapy practices are randomized in a 1:2 ratio to provide the experimental (in 204 patients) or control intervention (in 204 patients), respectively. The experimental intervention is a model of stratified exercise therapy consisting of (a) a stratification algorithm that allocates patients to a "high muscle strength subgroup," "low muscle strength subgroup," or "obesity subgroup" and (b) subgroup‐specific, protocolized exercise therapy (with an additional dietary intervention from a dietician for the obesity subgroup only). The control intervention will be usual best practice by PTs (i.e., nonstratified exercise therapy). Our primary outcome measures are knee pain severity (Numeric Rating Scale) and physical functioning (Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score subscale daily living). Measurements will be performed at baseline, 3‐month (primary endpoint), 6‐month (questionnaires only), and 12‐month follow‐up, with an additional cost questionnaire at 9 months. Intention‐to‐treat, multilevel, regression analysis comparing stratified versus usual care will be performed. Conclusion: This study will demonstrate whether stratified care provided by primary care PTs is effective and cost‐effective compared with usual best practice from PTs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Previous research has suggested that clinical assessment of emotions in patients with cancer is suboptimal. However, it is a possibility that well-trained and experienced doctors and nurses do recognize emotions but that they do not evaluate all emotions as necessitating professional mental health care. This implies that the sensitivity of clinical assessment should be tested against the need for professional mental health care as reference standard, instead of emotional distress. We hypothesized that the observed sensitivity of clinical assessment of emotions would be higher when tested against need for professional mental health care as reference standard, compared with emotional distress as reference standard.Patients and Methods: A consecutive series of patients starting with chemotherapy were recruited during their routine clinical care, at a department of medical oncology. Clinical assessment of emotions by medical oncologists and nurses was derived from the patient file. Emotional distress and need for professional mental health care were assessed using the Distress Thermometer and Problem List.Results: Clinical assessment resulted in notes on emotions in 42.2% of the patient files with 36.2% of patients experiencing emotional distress and 10.8% expressing a need for professional mental health care (N = 185). As expected, the sensitivity of clinical assessment of emotions was higher with the reference standard "need for professional mental health care" compared with "emotional distress" (P < .001). For specificity, equivalent results were obtained with the two reference standards (P = .63).Conclusions: Clinical assessment of emotions in patients with cancer may be more accurate than previously concluded. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Goal-setting is a key characteristic of modern rehabilitation. However, goals need to be meaningful and of importance to the client. Axioms: Both theories and empirical evidence support the importance of a hierarchy of goals: one or more overall goals that clients find personally meaningful and specific goals that are related to the overall goals. We posit that the client's fundamental beliefs, goals and attitudes ("global meaning") need to be explored before setting any rehabilitation goal. A chaplain or other person with similar skills can be involved in doing so in an open-ended way. The client's fundamental beliefs, goals and attitudes serve as a point of departure for setting rehabilitation goals. Setting goals: We set out a three-stage process to set goals: (1) exploring the client's global meaning (i.e. fundamental beliefs, goals and attitudes), (2) deriving a meaningful overall rehabilitation goal from the client's global meaning and (3) setting specific rehabilitation goals that serve to achieve the meaningful overall rehabilitation goal. Conclusion: This is an extension of current practice in many rehabilitation teams, which may help counter the drive toward exclusively functional goals based around independence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: People with migraine often experience disability with serious consequences for their social life and work productivity. The pharmacological prophylactic management of migraine is effective in reducing migraine attacks. However, many people are reluctant to use daily prophylactic medication, leading to a demand for non-pharmacological treatment options. We present the design for and discuss the feasibility of a pragmatic, randomized controlled trial on the effectiveness of a multimodal manual therapy (MT) treatment compared to usual care by the general practitioner (GP) for the prophylactic treatment of migraine.Methods: Eligible participants will be recruited in primary care using the International Classification of Headache Disorders III criteria for migraine of the International Headache Society. Participants will be randomized to either multimodal MT treatment or usual care provided by the GP. GPs will be asked to treat the usual care group according to the Dutch GP guideline for headache. The multimodal MT intervention will include manual pressure techniques, neck muscle-strength exercises and mobilization of the cervical and thoracic spine. The trial will consist of a 12-week treatment period and follow-up measurements at 12, 26 and 52 weeks. The primary outcome measure is the number of migraine days per 4 weeks, assessed with a headache diary. Secondary outcome measures are the number of migraine attacks, medication use, disability due to headache, headache intensity, number of participants reporting a 50% migraine reduction, measurement of cervical pressure pain thresholds, presence of allodynia, endurance of cervical flexor muscles, days of absence of work and global perceived effect.Discussion: The results of the trial will show whether a multimodal MT intervention is an effective non-pharmacological treatment option for people with migraine.Trial Registration: Dutch Trial Register, NL7504. Registered on 7 February 2019. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We compliment the authors on a thoroughly well-designed randomized controlled trial in which 2 doses of exercise therapy were compared in patients with knee osteoarthritis. It could therefore be argued that low-dose exercises are generally sufficient for patients with knee osteoarthritis and need to be favored over high-dose exercises for feasibility reasons. Although both groups improved in all outcomes, the results did not support the authors' hypothesis that high-dose exercise is superior to low-dose exercise - similar to results from 2 other recent trials ([2], [3]). [Extracted from the article]

Nonsurgical interventions constitute a highly relevant therapeutic option in osteoarthritis (OA). Knee joint stabilization therapy in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee: a randomized, controlled trial. [Extracted from the article]

We used the Dutch–Flemish version of the USA PROMIS adult V1.0 item bank for Anxiety as input for developing a computerized adaptive test (CAT) to measure the entire latent anxiety continuum. First, psychometric analysis of a combined clinical and general population sample (N = 2,010) showed that the 29-item bank has psychometric properties that are required for a CAT administration. Second, a post hoc CAT simulation showed efficient and highly precise measurement, with an average number of 8.64 items for the clinical sample, and 9.48 items for the general population sample. Furthermore, the accuracy of our CAT version was highly similar to that of the full item bank administration, both in final score estimates and in distinguishing clinical subjects from persons without a mental health disorder. We discuss the future directions and limitations of CAT development with the Dutch–Flemish version of the PROMIS Anxiety item bank. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: To evaluate whether improvement of proprioception, pain, or dynamic knee instability mediates the effect of wearing a soft knee brace on activity limitations in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA).Methods: We conducted an analysis of data for 44 patients with knee OA who were enrolled in a laboratory-based trial evaluating the effect of wearing a commercially available soft knee brace. Activity limitations were assessed with the 10-meter walk test and the Get Up and Go test. Knee joint proprioception was assessed by an active joint position sense test; pain was assessed on a numeric rating scale (NRS) (range 0-10); pressure pain threshold (PPT) was assessed with a hand-held pressure algometer; dynamic knee instability was expressed by the perturbation response, i.e., a measure reflecting a deviation in mean knee varus-valgus angle after a controlled mechanical perturbation on a treadmill, with respect to level walking. Mediation analysis was conducted using the product of coefficients approach. Confidence intervals were calculated with a bootstrap procedure.Results: A decrease in pain (scored on an NRS) and a decrease in dynamic knee instability mediated the effect of wearing a soft knee brace on the reduction of activity limitations (P < 0.05), while changes in proprioception and PPT did not mediate this effect (P > 0.05).Conclusion: This study shows that decreased pain and reduced dynamic knee instability are pathways by which wearing a soft knee brace decreases activity limitations in patients with knee OA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on our empirical research on global meaning in people with spinal cord injury and people with stroke, we formulated 'inner posture' as a concept in rehabilitation. Inner posture, as we concluded from our empirical data, refers to the way in which people bear what cannot be changed. It helps them to live with their injury. Considering that much has already been written about meaning from a variety of disciplines, the question arises whether the concept of inner posture adds something new to the existing literature, or is just another name for a phenomenon that has already been described before in different terms. In this paper, we aim to investigate this and to clarify our conceptualization, by comparing the concept of inner posture with influential concepts in healthcare literature which seem to be more or less related. In the work of Puchalski regarding spirituality, Pargament regarding religion, Eliott regarding hope and Frankl regarding attitude, we found definitions and descriptions that seemed to come close to the phenomenon we refer to as inner posture. Because these concepts have various theoretical backgrounds, the comparison can help to better understand our concept of inner posture, through a process of dialogue between traditions, following Gadamer's notion of dialogue as fusion of horizons of understanding. We conclude that inner posture differs from the other concepts in several ways. Some of these differences are more fundamental, other are partial. This suggests that we identified a new perspective on a phenomenon partially described earlier. The comparison also inspired us to slightly adjust our definition and to formulate new research questions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate changes in trunk muscle strength 12 months after lumbar spine fusion (LSF) compared to preoperative strength. Methods: A total of 194 patients (mean ± standard deviation [SD] age, 61 ± 21 years) who underwent LSF participated in this prospective longitudinal study. Physical measurements of the participants were made before surgery and 12 months postoperatively. Isometric trunk extension and flexion strength was measured using a strain-gauge dynamometer in the standing position. Strength changes were calculated. Regression analysis was performed to explore which factors predicted strength levels at 12 months postoperatively. Results: The preoperative mean ± SD extension strength was 205 ± 144 N, which increased to 258 ± 142 N (p < 0.001) at the 12-month follow-up. Flexion strength increased from 295 ± 172 N to 364 ± 164 N (p < 0.001). The preoperative extension/flexion strength ratio was 0.75 ± 0.38 and remained similar (0.73 ± 0.26) at 12 months postoperatively (p = 0.39). Conclusion: Although trunk muscle strength increased by 26% for extension and 23% for flexion at the 12-month postoperative follow-up, both values remained objectively low. In addition, flexion strength remained higher than extension strength, which indicates an imbalance between those muscle groups. Age, severe back pain, and low trunk muscle strength before surgery predicted low trunk muscle strength at 1 year after spinal fusion. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As the population ages, the number of people with chronic diseases increases. Frequently, older people suffer from joint pain together with other chronic diseases, which can lead to decreased physical functioning.Aims: To investigate the associations of the changes in cognitive appraisals, coping strategies and pain with the change in physical functioning in older people, who have chronic pain and chronic diseases.Methods: Elderly persons (n = 407, mean age 77 years, and 62% female), with self-reported joint pain and at least two chronic diseases, filled in questionnaires about cognitive appraisals, coping strategies, pain intensity and physical functioning at baseline, at 6- and 18-month follow-ups. The associations of change in physical functioning with changes in cognitive appraisals, coping strategies and pain were modelled using generalized estimating equations (GEE).Results: Increase in pain, in negative thinking about the consequences of pain, and in activity avoidance and decrease in self-efficacy beliefs were associated with a decline in physical functioning.Discussion: Observed mean changes were small but large inter-individual variability was seen. This shows that cognitive appraisals and coping strategies are malleable. Statistical model of change clarifies the direction of longitudinal associations.Conclusions: The longitudinal findings suggest that joint pain, cognitive appraisals and coping strategies may determine physical functioning in older people who have chronic pain and comorbidity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Patients with advanced disease experience high levels of psychological distress, yet there is low uptake of psychosocial services offered to patients who screened positive for distress. In this study we aimed to identify predictors for use of psychosocial services in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) receiving first line chemotherapy enrolled in a prospective cluster randomized trial (CRT).Methods: Patients completed measures on psychological distress, physical distress, and quality of life at baseline. Demographics, clinical characteristics at baseline and clinical events during treatment (e.g. severe adverse events, clinical benefit) were extracted from patient records. Patients reported psychosocial service utilization in- and outside the hospital after 10, 24 and 48 weeks of treatment. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to identify predictors for the use of psychosocial services.Results: Out of 349 patients, seventy patients (20.0%) used psychosocial support services during the follow-up period. Use of psychosocial services was associated with younger age, a higher educational level, presence of more pain (at baseline), and the expressed need to talk to a professional (at baseline). In addition, patients without progressive disease within the first ten weeks of treatment were more likely to use psychosocial services .Conclusions: One in five patients with mCRC receiving first line palliative treatment used psychosocial services during this prospective longitudinal CRT. Sociodemographic factors (age, education), clinical factors (pain and no progressive disease) and the expressed need to talk to a professional predicted use of psychosocial services. Identification of these predictors may contribute to the understanding of factors that determine the need for psychosocial services.Trial Registration: Netherlands Trial Register NTR4034 . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Information on the association of self‐reported knee instability with clinical outcomes after Total Knee Arthroplasty (TKA) and 1 year follow‐up is scarce. The aims were to determine (i) the course and prevalence of self‐reported knee instability before and 1 year after TKA and (ii) the associations of preoperative, postoperative, and retained self‐reported knee instability with pain, activity limitations, and quality of life (QoL) in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Patients undergoing primary TKA, selected from the Longitudinal Leiden Orthopaedics and Outcomes of OsteoArthritis Study, had their knee instability measured using a questionnaire. The Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score pain, activity limitations, and QoL subscales were administered before and 1 year after surgery. Multivariable regression analyses were performed to examine associations between knee instability, pain, activity limitations, and QoL, adjusted for covariates (age, gender, comorbidities, and radiographic severity). Of the 908 included patients, 649 (71%) and 187 (21%) reported knee instability before and following TKA, respectively. Of the patients with preoperative knee instability, this perception was retained in 165 (25%) cases. Knee instability was preoperatively associated with pain (B −9.6; 95%CI: −12.4 to −6.7), activity limitations (B −7.5; 95%CI: −10.2 to −4.8), and QoL (B −4.7; 95%CI: −7.0 to −2.4) and postoperatively with pain (B −15.0; 95%CI: −18.5 to −11.6), activity limitations (B −15.1; 95%CI: −18.4 to −11.8), and QoL (B −18.7; 95%CI: −22.3 to −15.3). Retained knee instability was associated with postoperative pain (B −15.1; 95%CI: −18.9 to −11.2), activity limitations (B −14.1; 95%CI: −17.8 to −10.4), and QoL (B −18.0; 95%CI: −21.7 to −14.3). In conclusion, in clinical care, self‐reported knee instability is retained postoperatively in 25% of the patients. Retained knee instability is associated with more pain, activity limitations, and poorer QoL postoperatively. © 2018 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 36:2671–2678, 2018 [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A stroke can have implications for all areas of a person's life. In research on adaptation to stroke, finding meaning is associated with better adaptation. This study focuses on one of the driving principles behind meaning-making processes: global meaning. The aim of this study was to explore whether global meaning (i.e., fundamental beliefs and life goals concerning core values, relationships, worldview, identity and inner posture) is associated with processes and outcomes of rehabilitation, as experienced by people with stroke. In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted, and analysed using qualitative research methods. Aspects of global meaning were associated with the following elements of process and outcome of rehabilitation: motivation, handling stress and emotions, physical functioning and acceptance. The influence was mostly positive. If rehabilitation professionals took global meaning into account, respondents tended to associate this with better or faster recovery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Studies evaluating new systemic agents tend to report severe toxicities only, while the cumulative effect of multiple lower grade adverse events (AEs) may have an additional negative impact on patient quality of life (QOL). In the current observational cohort study, we evaluated whether, in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer receiving first-line chemotherapy, cumulative toxicity comprising all grades of AEs is more predictive for QOL than cumulative toxicity due to only high-grade AEs.Methods: One hundred and five patients starting treatment completed the European Organization for the Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire (EORTC-QLQ-C30) questionnaire at baseline and 10 weeks. AEs, clinical outcomes, and demographics were retrieved from patient records. Cumulative toxicity scores were calculated in three ways: total number of high-grade AEs, total number of all-grade AEs, and total number of AEs multiplied by their grade (the severity score). Relations between cumulative toxicity scores and QOL were studied using multivariable linear regression analyses.Results: The mean age of patients was 65 years, 68% were male, and 84% received oxaliplatin-based chemotherapy. A higher total number of AEs of all grades (B=−2.4, 95% CI=–3.9; –0.9) and the severity score (B=–1.4, 95% CI=–2.3; –0.5) were predictive for clinically relevant changes in physical QOL, whereas the total high-grade AEs was not. None of the cumulative toxicity scores were predictive for global QOL.Conclusion: Cumulative toxicity scores comprising all grades of AEs provide a better measure of treatment burden than a toxicity score comprising high-grade AEs only. Physical QOL seems to be more affected by AEs than global QOL. Our results emphasize that future clinical trials should present cumulative toxicity scores comprising all AE grades as well as physical QOL instead of global QOL. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. Integrating physical therapy sessions and an online application (e-Exercise) might support people with hip osteoarthritis (OA), knee OA, or both (hip/ knee OA) in taking an active role in the management of their chronic condition and may reduce the number of physical therapy sessions. Objective. The objective of this study was to investigate the short- and long-term effectiveness of e-Exercise compared to usual physical therapy in people with hip/knee OA. Design. The design was a prospective, single-blind, multicenter, superiority, clusterrandomized controlled trial. Setting. The setting included 143 primary care physical therapist practices. Participants. The participants were 208 people who had hip/knee OA and were 40 to 80 years of age. Intervention. e-Exercise is a 3-month intervention in which about 5 face-to-face physical therapy sessions were integrated with an online application consisting of graded activity, exercise, and information modules. Usual physical therapy was conducted according to the Dutch physical therapy guidelines on hip and knee OA. Measurements. Primary outcomes, measured at baseline after 3 and 12 months, were physical functioning and free-living physical activity. Secondary outcome measures were pain, tiredness, quality of life, self-efficacy, and the number of physical therapy sessions. Results. The e-Exercise group (n = 109) received, on average, 5 face-to-face sessions; the usual physical therapy group (n = 99) received 12. No significant differences in primary outcomes between the e-Exercise group and the usual physical therapy group were found. Within-group analyses for both groups showed a significant improvement in physical functioning. After 3 months, participants in the e-Exercise group reported an increase in physical activity; however, no objectively measured differences in physical activity were found. With respect to secondary outcomes, after 12 months, sedentary behavior signifi- cantly increased in the e-Exercise group compared with the usual physical therapy group. In both groups, there were significant improvements for pain, tiredness, quality of life, and self-efficacy. Limitations. The response rate at 12 months was 65%. Conclusions. The blended intervention, e-Exercise, was not more effective than usual physical therapy in people with hip/knee OA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]