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Changes to physical function and body composition during the first 2 years of polymyalgia rheumatica
Jessica L Leung1,2, Belinda De Ross3, Jenny Gianoudis3
1Department of Rheumatology, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Rheumatology (Oxford, England)
|July 11, 2025
Summary
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) significantly impairs physical function, especially in women, with lasting effects. Early assessment and muscle conditioning are crucial for managing PMR patients.
Area of Science:
- Rheumatology
- Gerontology
- Physical Medicine
Background:
- Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is an inflammatory condition affecting older adults.
- The long-term impact of PMR on physical function and frailty is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare physical function, body composition, and frailty between recently diagnosed PMR patients and controls.
- To assess changes over 18 months following glucocorticoid initiation.
Main Methods:
- Prospective cohort study comparing PMR patients and age/sex-matched controls.
- Assessed physical function (HAQ-DI, grip strength, gait speed, chair stand, SPPB), strength, physical activity, and body composition (DEXA).
- Frailty defined using Fried's phenotype.
Main Results:
- PMR patients exhibited higher disability (HAQ-DI) at both time points.
- Females with PMR showed poorer performance in chair stand, SPPB, and gait speed, with greater gait speed decline.
- Higher pre-frailty rates observed in PMR patients (71.2% vs 34.4% initially).
Conclusions:
- PMR has a persistent negative impact on physical function, particularly in females.
- Routine physical function assessments are recommended for PMR management.
- Targeted muscle conditioning interventions may benefit PMR patients.
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