Chronic pain is a significant problem for many older adults. Strategies for pain management appear to be limited, with the prescription of analgesic medication used most often to treat pain. Older adults, however, are often sensitive to adverse side effects from analgesic medications, so nonpharmacological strategies for treating pain are receiving increased attention. This review article summarizes results from studies that have examined whether improvements in pain occur after an exercise intervention. Limited research has been conducted, and it can be characterized as both experimental and quasi-experimental. In addition, pain has usually been a secondary variable assessed in conjunction with a number of other variables. Results from most studies indicate that improvement in pain can occur after exercise training, but several investigators did not find changes in pain after an exercise-training program. Even less research has been conducted with older adults residing in assisted-care facilities, and this research is limited by small sample sizes.
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Using Physical Activity to Manage Pain in Older Adults
Kelli F. Koltyn
A Comparison of Life Satisfaction, Functional Ability, Physical Characteristics, and Activity Level among Older Adults in Various Living Settings
Jan M. Schroeder, Karen L. Nau, Wayne H. Osness, and Jeffrey A. Potteiger
Measurements of functional ability, balance, strength, flexibility, life satisfaction, and physical activity were compared among three populations of older adults (age 75-85 years). Sixty-nine subjects performed the Physical Performance Test (PPT). timed Up and Go. 1 repetition maximum (IRM) leg press and extensions, and Modified Sit and Reach. The Physical Activity Questionnaire for the Elderly and Satisfaction With Life Scale were also completed. No difference was found among the groups for life satisfaction. Individuals living in a nursing facility had poorer PPT scores, dynamic balance, leg extension strength, leg press strength, flexibility, and physical activity than individuals living in assisted-care facilities and the community. Assisted-care individuals had significantly lower PPT scores and leg strength than community-living individuals. The decline of ADL performance and physical activity may be accounted for by loss of strength, balance, and flexibility, all associated with a loss of independence.
Efficacy of an Exercise and Nutritional Supplement Program on Physical Performance and Nutritional Status in Older Adults With Mobility Limitations Residing at Senior Living Facilities
Michael P. Corcoran, Miriam E. Nelson, Jennifer M. Sacheck, Kieran F. Reid, Dylan Kirn, Roger A. Fielding, Kenneth K.H. Chui, and Sara C. Folta
SAP, despite the randomized design of this study and the fact that no significant differences in baseline health status were observed between groups. A decline in health over a 6-month period has been observed with residents of assisted care facilities ( Byala et al., 2009 ; Caffrey et al., 2012
Validity and Reliability of a Single Question for Leisure-Time Physical Activity Assessment in Middle-Aged Women
Matti Hyvärinen, Sarianna Sipilä, Janne Kulmala, Harto Hakonen, Tuija H. Tammelin, Urho M. Kujala, Vuokko Kovanen, and Eija K. Laakkonen
physical function in older adults residing at assisted care facilities . The Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging, 20 ( 7 ), 752 – 758 . PubMed ID: 27499309 doi:10.1007/s12603-015-0640-7 10.1007/s12603-015-0640-7 Dishman , R.K. , Washburn , R.A. , & Schoeller , D.A. ( 2001 ). Measurement of
Modifiable Physical Factors Associated With Physical Functioning for Patients Receiving Dialysis: A Systematic Review
Brett D. Tarca, Thomas P. Wycherley, Paul Bennett, Anthony Meade, and Katia E. Ferrar
association with physical function in older adults residing at assisted care facilities . J Nutr Health Aging . 2016 ; 20 ( 7 ): 752 – 758 . PubMed ID: 27499309 doi:10.1007/s12603-015-0640-7 27499309 10.1007/s12603-015-0640-7 53. Cederberg KL , Motl RW , McAuley E . Physical activity, sedentary
Exploring the Mediating Role of Social Support and Fall Efficacy on the Association Between Falls and Physical Activity: A Cross-Sectional Study in an Assisted-Living Population
Nadja Schott and Maike Tietjens
assessment of physical activity and its association with physical function in older adults residing at assisted care facilities . Journal of Nutrition, Health & Aging, 20 ( 7 ), 752 – 758 . PubMed ID: 27499309 doi:10.1007/s12603-015-0640-7 10.1007/s12603-015-0640-7 Cumming , R.G. , Salkeld , G
