OBJECTIVE: To use the minimal important difference (MID) versus the standardized mean difference (SMD) approach in order to provide more robust and clinically relevant information regarding the association between land-based aerobic exercise and changes in self-reported fatigue among adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Data from a previous meta-analysis of 5 randomized controlled trials that represented up to 298 participants per study were utilized to calculate 9 effect sizes, using the MID approach. Data used to obtain the MID were derived from previously reported anchor-based values specific to each fatigue instrument in adults with RA. Results were pooled using a random-effects model. RESULTS: Aerobic exercise resulted in statistically significant reductions in self-reported fatigue (MID effect size -0.34 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) -0.58, -0.10]; P = 0.006). Results were similar when effect sizes were collapsed so that only 1 effect size represented each study (MID effect size -0.39 [95% CI -0.76, -0.03]; P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Land-based aerobic exercise is associated with statistically significant reductions in fatigue; however, based on previous cut points, it may be unlikely that a substantial number of participants with RA could obtain clinically relevant reductions in fatigue. Additional studies are needed, especially in those individuals with RA who have elevated levels of fatigue.
OBJECTIVE: To use the minimal important difference (MID) versus the standardized mean difference (SMD) approach in order to provide more robust and clinically relevant information regarding the association between land-based aerobic exercise and changes in self-reported fatigue among adults with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS: Data from a previous meta-analysis of 5 randomized controlled trials that represented up to 298 participants per study were utilized to calculate 9 effect sizes, using the MID approach. Data used to obtain the MID were derived from previously reported anchor-based values specific to each fatigue instrument in adults with RA. Results were pooled using a random-effects model. RESULTS: Aerobic exercise resulted in statistically significant reductions in self-reported fatigue (MID effect size -0.34 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) -0.58, -0.10]; P = 0.006). Results were similar when effect sizes were collapsed so that only 1 effect size represented each study (MID effect size -0.39 [95% CI -0.76, -0.03]; P = 0.04). CONCLUSION: Land-based aerobic exercise is associated with statistically significant reductions in fatigue; however, based on previous cut points, it may be unlikely that a substantial number of participants with RA could obtain clinically relevant reductions in fatigue. Additional studies are needed, especially in those individuals with RA who have elevated levels of fatigue.
Authors: Jonathan A C Sterne; Alex J Sutton; John P A Ioannidis; Norma Terrin; David R Jones; Joseph Lau; James Carpenter; Gerta Rücker; Roger M Harbord; Christopher H Schmid; Jennifer Tetzlaff; Jonathan J Deeks; Jaime Peters; Petra Macaskill; Guido Schwarzer; Sue Duval; Douglas G Altman; David Moher; Julian P T Higgins Journal: BMJ Date: 2011-07-22
Authors: Emalie Hurkmans; Florus J van der Giesen; Thea Pm Vliet Vlieland; Jan Schoones; E C H M Van den Ende Journal: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Date: 2009-10-07
Authors: Zuzana de Jong; Marten Munneke; Aeilko H Zwinderman; Herman M Kroon; Annemarie Jansen; Karel H Ronday; Dirkjan van Schaardenburg; Ben A C Dijkmans; Cornelia H M Van den Ende; Ferdinand C Breedveld; Theodora P M Vliet Vlieland; Johanna M W Hazes Journal: Arthritis Rheum Date: 2003-09
Authors: Kaleen M Lavin; Paul M Coen; Liliana C Baptista; Margaret B Bell; Devin Drummer; Sara A Harper; Manoel E Lixandrão; Jeremy S McAdam; Samia M O'Bryan; Sofhia Ramos; Lisa M Roberts; Rick B Vega; Bret H Goodpaster; Marcas M Bamman; Thomas W Buford Journal: Compr Physiol Date: 2022-03-09 Impact factor: 8.915