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Ambulatory activity as an objective and quantifiable measure of nonsteroidal therapy
D J Walker1, P Heslop, C Chandler
1Musculo-skeletal Department, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Objective:
To quantify any increase in short term spontaneous ambulatory activity resulting from the use of nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAID) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Methods:
Double blind placebo controlled crossover study of 8 women with RA using conventional assessments and the Numact activity monitor.
Results:
Patients' ambulatory activity was 50% greater during NSAID treatment compared to placebo treatment. Effect size calculated at 0.62, suggesting good sensitivity to change. The increased activity occurred late morning.
Conclusion:
Spontaneous ambulatory activity is an objective and relevant measure of disability.