Posters
Academic Level (Author 1)
Medical Student
Discipline Track
Clinical Science
Abstract
Lower extremity joint pain is a leading cause of disability and immobility in the United States. Movement is Life seeks to educate and empower patients to break the cycle that immobility starts in efforts to improve musculoskeletal and overall emotional and physical wellbeing. Studies in the past have described the correlation that exists between using Movement is Life education materials as well as a home exercise program to improve lower extremity pain and overall health short term but did not account for confounding factors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on health goes beyond patients that have contracted the illness by promoting a sedentary lifestyle in the general public. This study aims to expand on previous research by comparing the short-term effects of this combined approach in lieu of the COVID-19 pandemic to results from previous years. Eligible patients were surveyed in a clinical setting in South Texas before educational and exercise intervention and then re-surveyed 2 weeks and 4 weeks following initial intervention with additional questions regarding health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results were compared to results from similar studies from previous years. Paired and unpaired 2-tailed T-Tests were used to analyze the mean response differences when applicable. Overall mean improvements were observed when comparing follow up 2 and 4 weeks after intervention to baseline survey responses in previous studies, but no such clear or significant improvements were seen in our current cohort. Based on these data, we can conclude that although a combined approach of multimedia education and home exercise program can be a useful treatment alternative for patients with lower extremity joint pain, positive results are strongly influenced by the available opportunities patients have to physical activity. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative effect on patients’ physical and emotional health especially in areas with high prevalence of health care disparities and physicians should be aware of this reality when initiating such treatments.
Presentation Type
Poster
Recommended Citation
Orellana, Kevin J.; Yamout, Tarek; Ramirez, Guillermo; Treviño, Paul; Santos, Erick M.; and Bradford, Letitia, "Impact of Multimedia Interventions for Musculoskeletal Health Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic" (2023). Research Colloquium. 46.
https://scholarworks.utrgv.edu/colloquium/presentation/poster/46
Included in
Impact of Multimedia Interventions for Musculoskeletal Health Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic
Lower extremity joint pain is a leading cause of disability and immobility in the United States. Movement is Life seeks to educate and empower patients to break the cycle that immobility starts in efforts to improve musculoskeletal and overall emotional and physical wellbeing. Studies in the past have described the correlation that exists between using Movement is Life education materials as well as a home exercise program to improve lower extremity pain and overall health short term but did not account for confounding factors during the COVID-19 pandemic. The effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on health goes beyond patients that have contracted the illness by promoting a sedentary lifestyle in the general public. This study aims to expand on previous research by comparing the short-term effects of this combined approach in lieu of the COVID-19 pandemic to results from previous years. Eligible patients were surveyed in a clinical setting in South Texas before educational and exercise intervention and then re-surveyed 2 weeks and 4 weeks following initial intervention with additional questions regarding health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Results were compared to results from similar studies from previous years. Paired and unpaired 2-tailed T-Tests were used to analyze the mean response differences when applicable. Overall mean improvements were observed when comparing follow up 2 and 4 weeks after intervention to baseline survey responses in previous studies, but no such clear or significant improvements were seen in our current cohort. Based on these data, we can conclude that although a combined approach of multimedia education and home exercise program can be a useful treatment alternative for patients with lower extremity joint pain, positive results are strongly influenced by the available opportunities patients have to physical activity. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a negative effect on patients’ physical and emotional health especially in areas with high prevalence of health care disparities and physicians should be aware of this reality when initiating such treatments.