Brief Report: State‐Level Number of Physically Inactive US Adults With Arthritis Who can Improve Their Anxiety and Depression by Exercising

Abstract

Objective. Provide state-level estimates of the number of physically inactive adults in the United States with arthritis and other rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs) who could improve their anxiety and depression by exercising.Methods. Utilizing 1) number-needed-to treat (NNT) data from two prior meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials addressing the effects of exercise on anxiety and depression in adults with arthritis and other RMDs, 2) recent state-level prevalence estimates on arthritis and physical inactivity in adults with arthritis and other RMDs, and 3) state-level 2010 US Census population data, the number of physically inactive adults with arthritis and other RMDs who could improve their anxiety and depression by exercising was estimated.Results. Across all states and the District of Columbia, the number of adults with arthritis and other RMDs who could improve their anxiety and depression by starting an exercise program was estimated at 3 433 167 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 3 171 000-3 703 522) for anxiety and 2 942 706 (95% CI = 2 718 000-3 174 438) for depression. For anxiety, numbers ranged from 3677 (95% CI = 3235-4154) in the District of Columbia to 271 253 (95% CI = 243 998-298 508) in Texas. For depression, numbers ranged from 3151 (95% CI = 2773-3561) in the District of Columbia to 232 502 (95% CI = 209 140-255 863) in Texas.Conclusion. These state-specific data suggest that a large number of physically inactive US adults with arthritis and other RMDs could improve their anxiety and depression by starting and maintaining a regular exercise program.

Number of Physically Inactive Adults With Arthritis in the United States Who Could Improve Physical Function and Pain Control by Exercising

“…For example, a previous systematic review with meta-analysis reported that the NNT for adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain treated with topical nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) was 5 for 1 (20%) to benefit (7). When using standardized mean difference effect sizes to calculate the NNT, the larger the effect size, the smaller the NNT and the potential for a greater number of participants to benefit (8). Details regarding the approach we used are available elsewhere (8).…”

“…When using standardized mean difference effect sizes to calculate the NNT, the larger the effect size, the smaller the NNT and the potential for a greater number of participants to benefit (8). Details regarding the approach we used are available elsewhere (8).…”