Physical Activity and Pain in Youth With Sickle Cell Disease

Fam Community Health. 2020 Jan/Mar;43(1):1-9. doi: 10.1097/FCH.0000000000000241.

Abstract

Study objectives were to examine the relationships between physical activity, pain, and psychological distress in youth 8 to 17 years of age with sickle cell disease. Participants were 206 youth with sickle cell disease (M = 11.73 years, 54.9% female, 99.5% African American). Caregivers and youth completed a clinical psychosocial screening battery. Results revealed frequent pain (37.6%), moderate median pain intensity, and elevated median pain interference in youth. Lower caregiver-reported physical activity was associated with worse pain outcomes. Increased anxiety was also associated with worse pain outcomes. A better understanding of the relationship between physical activity/inactivity and pain will guide multifactorial treatment interventions.

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Anemia, Sickle Cell / complications*
  • Anemia, Sickle Cell / psychology*
  • Child
  • Exercise / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pain / psychology*