RA, OA, Fibromyalgia, myofascial pain syndrome

Question 1

What type of disease is Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?

Answer 1

Autoimmune, chronic systemic disease targeting synovial joints

RA leads to joint destruction and deformities such as swan neck and boutonnière.

Question 2

Is Osteoarthritis (OA) considered a systemic disease?

Answer 2

No

OA is localized and primarily affects weight-bearing joints.

Question 3

At what age does Osteoarthritis (OA) typically onset?

Answer 3

≥ 40 years

Question 4

What is the duration of morning stiffness in Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?

Answer 4

Prolonged (>30 mins)

RA stiffness is often accompanied by redness and warmth.

Question 5

Which joints are primarily involved in Osteoarthritis (OA)?

Answer 5

Weight-bearing joints (knees, hips, spine)

Question 6

What are common systemic symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?

Answer 6

• Fever
• Malaise
• Weight loss
• RA nodules
• Organ involvement

Question 7

What features characterize Osteoarthritis (OA)?

Answer 7

• Wear and tear
• Inflammatory response
• Initially asymptomatic
• Later stages include pain, effusion, capsular thickening, osteophytes

Question 8

What is the recommended therapeutic exercise goal for Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?

Answer 8

Preserve ROM

Question 9

Fill in the blank: Rheumatoid Arthritis affects the _______ lining first.

Answer 9

synovial

Question 10

What is the primary therapeutic exercise focus for Fibromyalgia?

Answer 10

Aerobic exercise is key

Question 11

What are the two main types of pain associated with Fibromyalgia and Myofascial Pain Syndrome?

Answer 11

• Fibromyalgia: Widespread pain
• Myofascial Pain Syndrome: Localized pain

Question 12

What defines Myofascial Pain Syndrome?

Answer 12

Regional pain with trigger points that reproduce referred pain patterns

Question 13

What are some precautions for therapeutic exercise in Osteoarthritis (OA)?

Answer 13

• Avoid excessive joint compression during resistance training
• Identify positions with peak compressive force and modify loads

Question 14

What is the recommended weekly dosage of moderate aerobic exercise according to Huffman et al. 2024?

Answer 14

150 min/week

Question 15

What therapeutic strategy is recommended for deactivating trigger points in Myofascial Pain Syndrome?

Answer 15

Manual therapy, dry needling, contract-relax

Question 16

What is a key feature of Fibromyalgia related to fatigue?

Answer 16

Fatigue is common

Question 17

True or False: Therapeutic exercise improves function in Rheumatoid Arthritis but changes the disease course.

Answer 17

False

Therapeutic exercise improves function but does not change RA disease course.

Question 18

What is the recommended approach for energy conservation across all conditions?

Answer 18

Alternate activities, use pacing, short bouts

Question 19

What should be the focus of therapeutic exercise across all conditions?

Answer 19

• ROM maintenance
• Strength & endurance
• Relaxation
• Individualization

Question 20

What is the common cause of Myofascial Pain Syndrome?

Answer 20

Muscle/mechanical overload

Question 21

What is the typical age range for the onset of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)?

Answer 21

15–50 years

Question 22

What is the difference in joint involvement between RA and OA?

Answer 22

• RA: Symmetrical, smaller joints (hands/feet)
• OA: Weight-bearing joints (knees, hips, spine)

Question 23

What is a key patient education point for managing symptoms of Fibromyalgia?

Answer 23

Fluctuations are normal (‘good days’ vs ‘bad days’)