Feasibility of a strength-training program to reduce pain in older women in assisted living.

摘要

As the population of the United States grows older, the problems posed by chronic and disabling conditions associated with aging demand increased attention. Pain has a negative impact on millions of individuals each year, and with the increasingly rapid growth of the older population, pain-related complaints are likely to become even more prevalent. It has been reported that approximately 40% to 50% of older adults have chronic pain, and the proportion is even greater (45% to 80%) among older adults residing in assisted-care facilities. The consequences of chronic pain among older adults are numerous and include impairments in mobility, overall functional status, immune function, sleeping, eating patterns, and psychologic well-being. Strategies for pain management in older adults seem to be limited, with the prescription of analgesic medications used most often. Older adults, however, are often sensitive to adverse side effects from analgesic medications, so nonpharmacologicstrategies for treating painare receiving increased attention. The most common nonpharmacologic strategies for treating pain include heat, cold, massage, physical therapy, and exercise.