Task Force Offers Lifestyle Guidance to Prevent RMD Progression
A task force of health professionals, scientists, and patients with rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) published 5 overarching principles and 18 specific lifestyle recommendations to prevent disease progression among patients with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, axial spondyloarthritis, psoriatic arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, and gout.
The European League Against Rheumatism task force guidance was published online ahead of print in the Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases.
“These recommendations are based on a broad review of the literature and thus, for the most part, are evidence-based,” the authors wrote. “The level of agreement was high across the recommendations, indicating the broad acceptability of this recommendation set.”
The overarching principles emphasize lifestyle as essential to the management of RMD, alongside medical treatment. Lifestyle modifications will differ with age, condition, and other patient factors, the principles acknowledge, and should be the focus of regular discussions between health professionals and patients.
Recommendations, meanwhile, warn against physical inactivity and promote aerobic and strengthening exercise for all patients.
“There have been many research studies reporting the benefits of exercise on RMD-specific outcomes, with the general consensus being that exercise is beneficial for pain, function, fatigue and health-related quality of life in RMDs,” the task force wrote.
Dietary recommendations advise healthy, balanced eating, and state that a focus on specific foods or nutrients is not likely to influence RMD outcomes in meaningful ways. Patients should also aim for a healthy weight.
Although moderate alcohol consumption may increase flare risk in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and gout, small amounts of alcohol are generally unlikely to negatively impact RMD outcomes, according to the guidance. Smokers, meanwhile, should receive support to quit.
The recommendations also addressed employment, and its apparent benefit on RMD outcomes in some studies.
“Given this, and the benefits of work on quality of life seen in the general population, work should receive increased attention in healthcare consultations with people with RMDs, and specialized health professionals should be involved,” the taskforce advised. “Moreover, institutions in the health and social sector, employers, and patient organizations should offer support regarding work participation.”
—Jolynn Tumolo
Reference:
Gwinnutt JM, Wieczorek M, Balanescu A, et al. 2021 EULAR recommendations regarding lifestyle behaviours and work participation to prevent progression of rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases. Ann Rheum Dis. Published online ahead of print March 8, 2022.
