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MSK Pain – Improves quality of life

Improves quality of life

Evidence summary

The evidence base regarding physical activity and its impact on quality of life in those with osteoarthritis is conflicting. Whilst some have demonstrated that it can have a positive effect in OA knee [1,2], other have failed to find a correlation [3,4]. There are no reports that physical activity impacts negatively on quality of life.

Quality of evidence

Moderate quality – while good quality trials have been undertaken in this area there is a current inconsistency of findings.

Strength of recommendation

Weak recommendation – on the basis of the existing evidence and expert clinical opinion some people can be expected to report improved quality of life.

Conclusion

Whilst a definite positive impact on quality of life has not been demonstrated throughout the literature, there is no evidence to suggest a negative impact. Some people with OA can be expected to report an improved quality of life due to the recognised positive impact of physical activity on pain, function and stiffness.

References

1         Fransen M, McConnell S, Harmer AR, et al.Exercise for osteoarthritis of the knee: A Cochrane systematic review. Br J Sports Med2015;49:1554–7. doi:10.1136/bjsports-2015-095424

2         Tanaka R, Ozawa J, Kito N, et al.Does exercise therapy improve the health-related quality of life of people with knee osteoarthritis? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. J Phys Ther Sci2015;27:3309–14. doi:10.1589/jpts.27.3309

3         Fransen M, McConnell S, Hernandez-Molina G, et al.Exercise for osteoarthritis of the hip. Cochrane Database Syst RevPublished Online First: 22 April 2014. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD007912.pub2

4         Sampath KK, Mani R, Miyamori T, et al.The effects of manual therapy or exercise therapy or both in people with hip osteoarthritis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Rehabil2015;30:1141–55. doi:10.1177/0269215515622670