Effects of pain and fatigue on physical functioning and depression in persons with muscular dystrophy

Abstract Background Pain and fatigue are common symptoms experienced by persons with muscular dystrophy (MD). However, it is unclear from previous studies whether pain and fatigue have independent effects on physical functioning and depression, and whether age moderates the relationship of pain and...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Disability and health journal 2012-10, Vol.5 (4), p.277-283
Main Authors: Alschuler, Kevin N., Ph.D, Jensen, Mark P., Ph.D, Goetz, Mark C., Ph.D, Smith, Amanda E., B.S, Verrall, Aimee M., M.P.H, Molton, Ivan R., Ph.D
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Activities of Daily Living
Adult
Age Factors
Aged
Aged, 80 and over
Cross-Sectional Studies
Depression
Depression - etiology
Disabled Persons - psychology
Fatigue
Fatigue - complications
Fatigue - psychology
Female
Humans
Internal Medicine
Male
Middle Aged
Muscular Dystrophies - complications
Muscular Dystrophies - psychology
Muscular dystrophy
Pain
Pain - complications
Pain - psychology
Young Adult
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Summary:Abstract Background Pain and fatigue are common symptoms experienced by persons with muscular dystrophy (MD). However, it is unclear from previous studies whether pain and fatigue have independent effects on physical functioning and depression, and whether age moderates the relationship of pain and fatigue with physical functioning and depression. Objective This cross-sectional study aimed to describe the relationship of pain and fatigue to physical functioning and depression in persons 20–89 years old with MD. Method A convenience sample of 332 individuals with MD completed a questionnaire that included measures of physical functioning (PROMIS item bank items), depression (PHQ-9), pain intensity (0–10 NRS), and fatigue (0–10 NRS). Results Pain and fatigue were each independently associated with physical functioning and depression. Depressive symptoms were most severe among middle-aged participants (45–64 years old) relative to older and younger participants. Physical functioning had a negative relationship with chronological age. Conclusions Symptoms of pain and fatigue are significantly and independently related to physical functioning and depression in persons with MD. Research is needed to determine if treatments that target both pain and fatigue in patients with MD have more beneficial effects than treatments that target only one of these symptoms.
ISSN:1936-6574
1876-7583
DOI:10.1016/j.dhjo.2012.07.002