Differences in the Flexibility of Muscles of Athletes Doing Weight Training and Functional Training

Abstract

identified from the MEPS data based on the Andersen's Behavioral Model of Health Services Use. Generalized linear models were performed to determine the presence of mediation using the Barron and Kenny approach. Results: A total of 119 eligible individuals, representing 1,360,803 individuals were included in this study. The sample included 76% females, 75% Caucasians, 38% over the age of 65 years, and 84% reporting at least one comorbidity, with a mean family income of $61,323. The mediation analysis showed that after controlling for covariates, race was significantly associated with direct medical costs (Estimate = 0.96; SE = 0.26; p < 0.05), and but not medication adherence (Estimate = 0.033; SE: 12; p > 0.05). Medication adherence was significantly related to medical costs (Estimate = 0.40; SE: 0.14; p < 0.05). ConClusions: Adherence to DMARDs was not found to be a mediator of the relationship between race/ethnicity and healthcare cost. Further analysis needs to be conducted to explore the mediators of racial disparities in overall medical costs among patients with RA.