| 1. |
- Battista, Simone, et al.
(author)
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Factors Associated with Adherence To a Supervised Exercise Intervention for Osteoarthritis : Data From the Swedish Osteoarthritis Registry
- 2023
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In: Arthritis Care and Research. - : WILEY. - 2151-4658 .- 2151-464X.
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: To explore how lifestyle and demographic, socioeconomic and disease-related factors are associated with supervised exercise adherence in an osteoarthritis (OA) management programme and their ability to explain exercise adherence.METHODS: A cohort register-based study on participants from the 'Swedish Osteoarthritis Registry' who attended the exercise part of a nationwide Swedish OA management programme. We ran a multinomial logistic regression to determine the association of exercise adherence with the abovementioned factors. We calculated their ability to explain exercise adherence with the McFadden R2 .RESULTS: Our sample comprises 19,750 (73% female sex; age: 67 (SD: 8.94)) participants. Among them, 5,862 (30%) reached a low level of adherence, 3,947 (20%) a medium level and 9,941 (50%) a high level. After a listwise deletion, the analysis was run on n=16,685 (85%), with low levels of adherence as the reference category. Some factors were positively associated with high levels of adherence, such as older age (relative risk ratio (RRR) =1.01, 95% CI 1.01-1.02 (per year)), and the 'arthritis-specific self-efficacy' (1.04, 95% CI 1.02-1.07 (per 10-point increase)). Others were negatively associated with high levels of adherence, such as 'female' sex (0.82, 95% CI [0.75-0.89]), having a 'medium' (0.89, 95% CI [0.81; 0.98] or a 'high' level of education (0.84, 95% CI [0.76-0.94]). Nevertheless, the investigating factors could explain 1% of the variability in exercise adherence (R2 = 0.012).CONCLUSION: Despite the associations reported above, the low-explained variability suggests that strategies based on lifestyle and demographic, socioeconomic and disease-related factors are unlikely to improve exercise adherence significantly.
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| 3. |
- Falsiroli Maistrello, Luca, et al.
(author)
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Perceptions and Experiences of Individuals With Neck Pain : A Systematic Critical Review of Qualitative Studies With Meta-Summary and Meta-Synthesis
- 2022
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In: Physical Therapy. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0031-9023 .- 1538-6724. ; 102:8
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: This study aimed at exploring the perspectives and experiences of individuals with neck pain by synthesizing all available qualitative studies. METHODS: A systematic, qualitative meta-summary and meta-synthesis was conducted following the 5-step methodology proposed by Sandelowski and Barroso. A systematic search of 9 electronic databases was conducted in May 2021. Methodological quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme tool. RESULTS: Nine studies were included in the meta-synthesis for a total of 103 participants (73 women). Eleven categories were identified as belonging to 3 main themes: physical ("My neck has gone wrong"); psychological ("I am worried about my recovery"); and social ("Pain limits my life"). In the physical theme, the categories with the highest frequency were symptoms (67%) followed by body perception (44%). The psychological theme frequencies from highest to lowest were psychological consequences (100%), coping strategies (100%), mindset (67%), expectations from health care professionals (44%), and gender influence (22%). In the social theme, frequencies from highest to lowest were social relationships (56%), work, and activities of daily living and physical activity (44%, respectively). CONCLUSION: An individual's experience with neck pain is a multidimensional phenomenon in which physical, psychological, and social dimensions influence each other. These findings suggested that health care professionals should be aware of recognizing and evaluating all of the individual's experiences to offer a truly patient-centered care pathway. IMPACT: This qualitative meta-synthesis responded to a call to action to explore perspectives and experiences of individuals with neck pain. These findings can provide crucial guidance for clinicians as they plan and implement evidence-based recommendations for neck pain.
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| 4. |
- Longhini, Jessica, et al.
(author)
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Wearable Devices to Improve Physical Activity and Reduce Sedentary Behaviour : An Umbrella Review
- 2024
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In: Sports Medicine - Open. - 2199-1170. ; 10, s. 1-16
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: Several systematic reviews (SRs), with and without meta-analyses, have investigated the use of wearable devices to improve physical activity, and there is a need for frequent and updated syntheses on the topic.OBJECTIVE: We aimed to evaluate whether using wearable devices increased physical activity and reduced sedentary behaviour in adults.METHODS: We conducted an umbrella review searching PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, the Cochrane Library, MedRxiv, Rxiv and bioRxiv databases up to February 5th, 2023. We included all SRs that evaluated the efficacy of interventions when wearable devices were used to measure physical activity in adults aged over 18 years. The primary outcomes were physical activity and sedentary behaviour measured as the number of steps per day, minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) per week, and minutes of sedentary behaviour (SB) per day. We assessed the methodological quality of each SR using the Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews, version 2 (AMSTAR 2) and the certainty of evidence of each outcome measure using the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations). We interpreted the results using a decision-making framework examining the clinical relevance and the concordances or discordances of the SR effect size.RESULTS: Fifty-one SRs were included, of which 38 included meta-analyses (302 unique primary studies). Of the included SRs, 72.5% were rated as 'critically low methodological quality'. Overall, with a slight overlap of primary studies (corrected cover area: 3.87% for steps per day, 3.12% for MVPA, 4.06% for SB) and low-to-moderate certainty of the evidence, the use of WDs may increase PA by a median of 1,312.23 (IQR 627-1854) steps per day and 57.8 (IQR 37.7 to 107.3) minutes per week of MVPA. Uncertainty is present for PA in pathologies and older adults subgroups and for SB in mixed and older adults subgroups (large confidence intervals).CONCLUSIONS: Our findings suggest that the use of WDs may increase physical activity in middle-aged adults. Further studies are needed to investigate the effects of using WDs on specific subgroups (such as pathologies and older adults) in different follow-up lengths, and the role of other intervention components.
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| 5. |
- Rossettini, Giacomo, et al.
(author)
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Digital Entry-Level Education in Physiotherapy : a Commentary to Inform Post-COVID-19 Future Directions
- 2021
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In: Medical Science Educator. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2156-8650. ; 31:6, s. 2071-2083
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Currently, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) severely influences physiotherapy education which is based mostly on face-to-face teaching. Thus, educators have been compelled to adapt their pedagogical approaches moving to digital education. In this commentary, we debate on digital education highlighting its effectiveness, the users’ perspectives, and its weakness in the context of physiotherapy teaching aimed at informing post-COVID-19 future directions in this educational field. Existing evidence on digital education produced before COVID-19 supports its implementation into entry-level physiotherapy education. However, some challenges (e.g. social inequality and evaluation of students) threaten its applicability in post-COVID-19 era, calling educators to take appropriate actions.
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| 6. |
- Rossettini, Giacomo, et al.
(author)
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Online teaching in physiotherapy education during COVID-19 pandemic in Italy : a retrospective case-control study on students’ satisfaction and performance
- 2021
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In: BMC Medical Education. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1472-6920. ; 21:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Background: During COVID-19 pandemic, physiotherapy lecturers faced the challenge of rapidly shifting from face-to-face to online education. This retrospective case-control study aims to compare students’ satisfaction and performances shown in an online course to a control group of students who underwent the same course delivered face-to-face in the previous five years. Methods: Between March and April 2020, a class (n = 46) of entry-level physiotherapy students (University of Verona - Italy), trained by an experienced physiotherapist, had 24-hours online lessons. Students exposed to the same course in the previous five academic years (n = 112), delivered with face-to-face conventional lessons, served as a historical control. The course was organized in 3 sequential phases: (1) PowerPoint presentations were uploaded to the University online platform, (2) asynchronous video recorded lectures were provided on the same platform, and (3) between online lectures, the lecturer and students could communicate through an email chat to promote understanding, dispel any doubts and collect requests for supplementary material (e.g., scientific articles, videos, webinars, podcasts). Outcomes were: (1) satisfaction as routinely measured by University with a national instrument and populated in a database; (2) performance as measured with an oral examination. Results: We compared satisfaction with the course, expressed on a 5-point Likert scale, resulting in no differences between online and face-to-face teaching (Kruskal-Wallis 2 = 0.24, df = 1, p = 0.62). We weighted up students’ results by comparing their mean performances with the mean performances of the same course delivered face-to-face in the previous five years, founding a statistical significance in favour of online teaching (Wilcoxon rank sum test W = 1665, p < 0.001). Conclusions: Online teaching in entry-level Physiotherapy seems to be a feasible option to face COVID-19 pandemic, as satisfies students as well as face-to-face courses and leading to a similar performance. Entry-level Bachelors in Physiotherapy may consider moving to eLearning to facilitate access to higher education. Universities will have to train lecturers to help them develop appropriate pedagogical skills, and supply suitable support in terms of economic, organizational, and technological issues, aimed at guaranteeing a high level of education to their students. Trial registration: Retrospectively registered.
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| 7. |
- Battista, Simone, et al.
(author)
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Experience of the COVID-19 pandemic as lived by patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis : an Italian qualitative study
- 2021
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In: BMJ Open. - : BMJ. - 2044-6055. ; 11:10, s. 1-9
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: To examine the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic as lived by people with hip and knee osteoarthritis (OA), in Italy.DESIGN: A qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews.SETTING: Urban and suburban areas in northern Italy.PARTICIPANTS: A total of 11 people with OA were enrolled through a purposeful sampling and completed the study.PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURE: The experience of Italian people with OA during the COVID-19 pandemic.RESULTS: Four themes were brought to the forefront from the analysis of the interviews. (1) Being Stressed for the Limited Social Interactions and for the Family Members at High Risk of Infection, as the interviewees were frustrated because they could not see their loved ones or felt a sense of apprehension for their relatives. (2) Recurring Strategies to Cope with the Pandemic such as an active acceptance towards the situation. (3) Being Limited in the Possibility of Undergoing OA Complementary Treatments and Other Routine Medical Visits. (4) Being Unaware of the Importance of Physical Activity as First-Line Interventions which was an attitude already present before the pandemic.CONCLUSION: The COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions impacted the quality of life and the care of individuals with hip and knee OA. The social sphere seemed to be the most hindered. However, the interviewees developed a good level of acceptance to deal with the pandemic. When it came to their care, they faced a delay of routine medical visits not related to OA and of other complementary treatments (eg, physical therapies) to manage OA. Finally, a controversial result that emerged from these interviews was that first-line interventions for OA (ie, therapeutic exercise) was not sought by the interviewees, regardless of the restrictions dictated by the pandemic. Policy-making strategies are thus necessary to support the awareness of the importance of such interventions.
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| 8. |
- Battista, Simone, et al.
(author)
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Geographical Differences in the Perspective of Osteoarthritis Care Management : A Cross-Sectional Study in Italy, Sweden and Russia
- 2024
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In: Musculoskeletal Care. - 1478-2189. ; 22:3, s. 1-14
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- BACKGROUND: This study aimed to explore the awareness, experiences, and beliefs of individuals with osteoarthritis (OA) regarding their healthcare management, along with assessing their overall satisfaction levels.METHODS: A cross-sectional online survey was conducted in Italy, Sweden, and Russia, rigorously developed based on OA international guidelines in collaboration with healthcare professionals and individuals with OA. Participants over 40 years of age with self-reported hip and/or knee OA were eligible. The analytical framework included descriptive analysis (assessment of awareness levels for 'recommended', 'optional', and 'not recommended' treatments), analysis of suggested treatments and taken treatments, exploration of beliefs, barriers and satisfaction analysis (0-100 scale).RESULTS: A total of 401 participants (mean age: 59.7, 78.3% female, 28% Italian, 49% Swedish, 23% Russian) contributed to the study. In Sweden, 57%-72% accurately identified recommended treatments, while in Russia, the range was 34%-91%, and in Italy, it was 35%-73%. The predominant suggested and taken treatments were oral anti-inflammatory drugs in Italy (87/81%) and Russia (97/97%) and specific exercise in Sweden (84/79%). Notably, only Sweden reached a consensus on the effectiveness of exercise for everyone, while Russia and Italy insisted on radiographic findings as a prerequisite for exercise. Mean satisfaction levels were 59.7 (Italy), 47.4 (Sweden), and 35.2 (Russia).CONCLUSIONS: This study uncovered variations in awareness, treatment preferences, and beliefs among the three countries, underscoring the necessity for tailored education on OA management that accounts for regional differences across Europe.
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| 9. |
- Battista, Simone, et al.
(author)
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Giving an account of patients' experience: A qualitative study on the care process of hip and knee osteoarthritis
- 2022
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In: Health Expectations. - : Wiley. - 1369-6513 .- 1369-7625. ; 25:3, s. 1140-1156
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Introduction: Despite the publication of clinical practice guidelines, the quality of the care process as experienced by patients with osteoarthritis (OA) appears suboptimal. Hence, this study investigates how patients with OA experience their disease and care process, highlighting potential elements that can enhance or spoil it, to optimise their quality of care. Methods: A qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews. Patients with hip and knee OA in Italy were interviewed. The interview guide was created by a pool of health professionals and patients. The interviews were analysed through a theme-based analysis following a philosophy of descriptive phenomenological research. Results: Our analysis revealed seven main themes: (1) Experiencing a sense of uncertainty, as interviewees perceived treatment choices not to be based on medical evidence; (2) Establishing challenging relationships with the self and the other, as they did not feel understood and felt ashamed or hopeless about their condition; (3) Being stuck in one's own or the health professionals' beliefs about the disease management, as a common thought was the perception of movement as something dangerous together with a frequent prescription of passive therapies; (4) Dealing with one's own attitudes towards the disease; Understanding (5) the barriers to and (6) the facilitators of the adherence to therapeutic exercise, which revolve around the therapy cost, the time needed and the patients' willingness to change their life habits and (7) Developing an uneasy relationship with food since the diet was considered as something that “you force yourself to follow” and overeating as a way “to eat your feelings”. Conclusion: The lack of clear explanations and a negative attitude towards first-line nonsurgical treatments (mainly physical exercise), which are considered as a way to fill the time while waiting for surgery, underlines the importance of providing patients with adequate information about OA treatments and to better explain the role of first-line intervention in the care of OA. This will enhance patient-centred and shared decision-making treatments. Patient Contribution: Patients with hip and knee OA participated in creating the interview and contributed with their experience of their care process.
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| 10. |
- Battista, Simone, et al.
(author)
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Income-Related Inequality Changes in Osteoarthritis First-Line Interventions : A Cohort Study
- 2024
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In: Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. - 0003-9993. ; 105:3, s. 452-460
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- OBJECTIVE: To examine income-related inequality changes in the outcomes of an osteoarthritis (OA) first-line intervention.DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study.SETTING: Swedish health care system.PARTICIPANTS: We included 115,403 people (age: 66.2±9.7 years; females 67.8%; N=115,403) with knee (67.8%) or hip OA (32.4%) recorded in the "Swedish Osteoarthritis Registry" (SOAR).INTERVENTIONS: Exercise and education.MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Erreygers' concentration index (E) measured income-related inequalities in "Pain intensity," "Self-efficacy," "Use of NSAIDs," and "Desire for surgery" at baseline, 3-month, and 12-month follow-ups and their differences over time. E-values range from -1 to +1 if the health variables are more concentrated among people with lower or higher income. Zero represents perfect equality. We used entropy balancing to address demographic and outcome imbalances and bootstrap replications to estimate confidence intervals for E differences over time.RESULTS: Comparing baseline to 3 months, "pain" concentrated more among individuals with lower income initially (E=-0.027), intensifying at 3 months (difference with baseline: E=-0.011 [95% CI: -0.014; -0.008]). Similarly, the "Desire for surgery" concentrated more among individuals with lower income initially (E=-0.009), intensifying at 3 months (difference with baseline: E=-0.012 [-0.018; -0.005]). Conversely, "Self-efficacy" concentrated more among individuals with higher income initially (E=0.058), intensifying at 3 months (difference with baseline: E=0.008 [0.004; 0.012]). Lastly, the "Use of NSAIDs" concentrated more among individuals with higher income initially (E=0.068) but narrowed at 3 months (difference with baseline: E=-0.029 [-0.038; -0.021]). Comparing baseline with 12 months, "pain" concentrated more among individuals with lower income initially (E=-0.024), intensifying at 12 months (difference with baseline: E=-0.017 [-0.022; -0.012]). Similarly, the "Desire for surgery" concentrated more among individuals with lower income initially (E=-0.016), intensifying at 12 months (difference with baseline: E=-0.012 [-0.022; -0.002]). Conversely, "Self-efficacy" concentrated more among individuals with higher income initially (E=0.059), intensifying at 12 months (difference with baseline: E=0.016 [0.011; 0.021]). The variable 'Use of NSAIDs' was not recorded in the SOAR at 12-month follow-up.CONCLUSION: Our results highlight the increase of income-related inequalities in the SOAR over time.
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