Publications
2015
Zettel-Watson, L., *Suen, M., *Wehbe, L., Rutledge, D.N., & Cherry, B.J. (2015) Aging well: Processing speed, inhibition and working memory related to balance and aerobic endurance. Geriatrics & Gerontology International. doi: 10.1111/ggi.12682
PURPOSE:
The present study explored whether certain physical performance measures could be linked to specific cognitive domains in healthy older adults. It was concluded that better dynamic balance and aerobic endurance predicted enhanced processing speed, inhibition and working memory in older adults, with these last two domains considered components of executive function.
Rosenfeld, V., Rutledge, D. N., & Stern, J. (2015). Polysomnography with quantitative EEG in patients with and without fibromyalgia. Journal of Clinical Neurophysiology, 32, 164–170. doi: 10.1097/WNP.0000000000000134
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this study was to determine whether fibromyalgia patients differ in quantitative EEG and polysomnographic (PSG) measures (used to study sleep disorders) when compared with a control population with sleep disorders like periodic leg disorder and poor sleep efficiency. It was determined that there is a difference between poor sleep disorder patients and patients with fibromyalgia alone, because conditions like sleep apnea are common in fibromyalgia, but periodic leg movement disorder and poor sleep efficiency are not common in patients with fibromyalgia.
Jones, C. J., Rakovski, C., Rutledge, D. N., & *Gutierrrez, A. (2015). Fitness performance of women with fibromyalgia compared to criterion standards: A pilot study. Journal of Aging and Physical Activity, 23(1), 103-111 doi: 10.1123/japa.2013-0159
PURPOSE:
The purpose of this study was to compare the fitness of women with fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) aged 50+ with performance standards associated with functional independence in late life. Data included most recent symptoms, activity levels, and fitness assessments. Physical activity was positively associated with fitness performance, while pain and depression symptoms were negatively associated. High proportions of women with FMS do not meet fitness standards recommended for maintaining physical independence in late life, indicating a risk for disability. Regular fitness assessments and targeted exercise interventions are warranted.
Follick, B. T., Cherry, B., Rutledge, D. N., Zettel-Watson, L., & Jones, C. J. (2015, published online). Heterogeneity in fibromyalgia based upon cognitive and physical performance and psychological symptomology. Journal of the American Association of Nurse Practitioners. doi: 10.1002/2327-6924.12270
PURPOSE:
This study sought to investigate the existence of subgroups within a fibromyalgia (FM) sample based on physical and cognitive performance measures, as well as self-report psychological measures. A multisystem disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain and co-morbid conditions, FM can lead to declines in cognitive functioning and difficulty with psychological health. Data sources: Community participants (n = 57 women) recruited from support groups and university center databases provided documentation of having met the criteria for diagnosis of FM. Measures included validated performance and self-report instruments. Analysis was completed using hierarchical cluster analysis; a four cluster solution was chosen for its level of interpretability. The resulting model identified four distinct subgroups based upon patterns of performance and symptomology. Significant group differences were found on pain, fatigue, stiffness, and level of physical activity. Conclusions: Study results support the existence of subgroups among the FM population based on levels of cognitive and physical performance and psychological symptoms. Implications for practice: Nurse practitioners aware of potential subgroups within FM should be better prepared to recommend treatment options for patients that target subgroup characteristics (e.g., high vs. low levels of psychological symptoms).
