Ambulatory activity as an objective and quantifiable measure of nonsteroidal therapy.
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.


CONCLUSIONS
Spontaneous ambulatory activity is an objective and relevant measure of disability.
Walker
D J
DJ
Musculo-skeletal Department, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Heslop
P
P
Chandler
C
C
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004008:Diclofenac / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004338:Drug Combinations; D004734:Energy Metabolism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D016595:Misoprostol / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D018670:Monitoring, Ambulatory / Q000379:methods*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care / Q000379:methods*; D016138:Walking
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; C078133:Arthrotec; D004338:Drug Combinations; D016595:Misoprostol; D004008:Diclofenac