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Nordic Walking as an Exercise Intervention to Reduce Pain in Women With Aromatase Inhibitor-Associated Arthralgia: A Feasibility Study.

Journal of pain and symptom management
October 1, 2016
Jo Fields et al. (4 authors)
Journal ArticleRandomized Controlled TrialResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tHuman StudyClinical
Study Details

Study Goal

To determine the feasibility of a trial of Nordic walking as an exercise intervention for women with aromatase inhibitor-associated arthralgia (AIAA).

Results Summary

The study found that Nordic walking was feasible, with high adherence (>90% for supervised sessions, >80% for independent sessions), increased overall activity levels, and reduced pain in both intervention and control groups, with no adverse effects.

Population

Women with aromatase inhibitor-associated arthralgia (AIAA) due to breast cancer treatment.

Effective Dosage

Six-week supervised group Nordic walking once per week, followed by six weeks of 4 × 30 minutes/week independent Nordic walking.

Duration

12 weeks

Interactions

None mentioned

Extracted Claims (7)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
Nordic walking
decrease
joint pain
women with aromatase inhibitor-associated arthralgia (AIAA)
-
could reduce
#1
six-week supervised group Nordic walking training once per week with an increasing independent element, followed by six weeks 4 × 30 minutes/week independent Nordic walking
increase
weekly supervised group Nordic walking
women with AIAA
>90%
adherence was >90% for
#2
independent Nordic walking
increase
one to two Nordic walking sessions per week
women with AIAA
>80%
>80% women managed
#3
Nordic walking
increase
overall activity levels
women with AIAA
-
overall activity levels increased
#4
Nordic walking
decrease
pain
women with AIAA
-
pain reduced
#5
enhanced usual care
increase
overall activity levels
women with AIAA
-
overall activity levels increased
#6
enhanced usual care
decrease
pain
women with AIAA
-
pain reduced
#7
Abstract

CONTEXT: Women taking aromatase inhibitors as treatment for breast cancer commonly experience joint pain and stiffness (aromatase inhibitor-associated arthralgia [AIAA]), which can cause problems with adherence. There is evidence that exercise might be helpful, and Nordic walking could reduce joint pain compared to normal walking. OBJECTIVES: To determine the feasibility of a trial of Nordic walking as an exercise intervention for women with AIAA. METHODS: A feasibility study was carried out in a sample of women with AIAA using a randomized control design. Women were randomized to exercise (six-week supervised group Nordic walking training once per week with an increasing independent element, followed by six weeks 4 × 30 minutes/week independent Nordic walking); or enhanced usual care. Data were collected on recruitment, retention, exercise adherence, safety, and acceptability. The Brief Pain Inventory, GP Physical Activity Questionnaire, and biopsychosocial measures were completed at baseline, six and 12 weeks. RESULTS: Forty of 159 eligible women were recruited and attrition was 10%. There was no increased lymphedema and no long-term or serious injury. Adherence was >90% for weekly supervised group Nordic walking, and during independent Nordic walking, >80% women managed one to two Nordic walking sessions per week. From baseline to study end point, overall activity levels increased and pain reduced in both the intervention and control groups. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate that women with AIAA are prepared to take up Nordic walking, complete a six-week supervised course and maintain increased activity levels over a 12-week period with no adverse effects.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
AgedAntineoplastic Agents, HormonalAromatase InhibitorsArthralgiaBreast NeoplasmsExercise TherapyFeasibility StudiesFemaleFollow-Up StudiesHumansMiddle AgedPainPain ManagementPatient CompliancePatient SatisfactionTreatment OutcomeWalking
Study Links
Quality Scores
Safety90
Efficacy75/10
Quality80/10
Citation Metrics
Total Citations44
Citations/Year4.9
Relative Citation Ratio1.88
NIH Percentile72.7%
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.95
Weight Score1.97
Normalized Score0.82
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Nordic Walking as an Exercise Intervention to Reduce Pain in... | Panacea Index