A recent study has revealed that patients with osteoarthritis (OA) can experience sustained benefits in terms of pain and function for up to 2 years after completing a 4-month program aimed at improving diet and exercise habits. Carlijn Wagenaar, MD, from the Reade Center for Rheumatology and Rehabilitation in Amsterdam, presented these findings at the annual meeting of the European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR).
The study found that the mean Western Ontario-McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) total scores at the final follow-up were approximately 15 points lower than the original baseline for participants who underwent the intervention. These results were consistent with the improvements observed at the conclusion of the 4-month program, indicating the long-term maintenance of benefits.
Furthermore, the original control group, who had initially been on a waiting list for the program, also showed significant reductions in total WOMAC scores over the course of 2 years after eventually participating. This unexpected result led researchers to consider various factors that could account for the differences between the two groups. The most plausible explanation was the diminished expectations of benefits from the delayed participation in the program by the control group.
The trial, known as “Plants for Joints,” included a three-part lifestyle improvement program for OA patients, involving promoting a “whole-food, plant-based” diet, incorporating an exercise regimen, and focusing on sleep and stress management. The exercise component encouraged participants to engage in moderate-intensity activity for 150 minutes per week, in addition to muscle- and bone-strengthening exercises twice a week.
Participants attended 10 group meetings, each lasting 2-3 hours, and covering all three components of the program. Additionally, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, some participants received parts of the instruction online. Even after the initial 4-month program, participants continued to receive newsletters and webinars to encourage adherence to the intervention, while periodic evaluations were conducted to assess OA symptoms.
Despite a significant dropout rate during the 2-year extension, the study showed promising trends towards improvements in metabolic biomarkers, indicating potential health benefits beyond the scope of OA management. Furthermore, the positive impact of the lifestyle intervention was maintained even beyond the duration of the program, suggesting its long-term effectiveness for patients with OA.
While the study had its limitations, such as the unblinded nature and the substantial dropout rate, the findings provide valuable insights into the potential benefits of lifestyle improvements for patients with OA. The development of a cost-effectiveness evaluation is underway, which will facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of the practical implications of the intervention.
In conclusion, the study’s results indicate that a lifestyle intervention focused on dietary changes and increased physical activity may offer significant and long-lasting benefits for patients with osteoarthritis. This innovative approach could potentially transform the management of OA and contribute to the overall well-being of affected individuals.