Non-Pharmacological Interventions for Chronic Pain in Older Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

We examined and compared the efficacy of different non-pharmacological intervention approaches for chronic pain management among older adults via meta-analysis and subgroup analysis.RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: Following the PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO number CRD42020222767), a systematic search was undertaken using MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO up to 21 March 2022. Randomized controlled trials were included, and data were pooled using a random-effects meta-analysis model. Risk of bias was assessed using a quality rating scale for psychological interventions.RESULTS: Twenty-five trials (N = 2394 participants) were identified. Six types of non-pharmacological interventions were compared with control conditions (sham/attention control and treatment as usual). Non-pharmacological interventions were associated with significant reductions in pain intensity, pain interference, depressive symptoms and catastrophizing beliefs and improvement in physical performance (standardized mean differences [SMDs] -0.34 to 0.54). Subgroup analyses based on different non-pharmacological approaches revealed the benefits of psychological approaches combined with physical activity.DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Non-pharmacological interventions, particularly those adopting psychological approaches and physical activity, have a small but statistically significant effect on chronic pain management in older adults. Reduction in pain interference may be related to reduced catastrophizing beliefs, thus pro...
Source: The Gerontologist - Category: Geriatrics Authors: Source Type: research