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The authors of a recent study published in American Journal of Medicine evaluated “handgrip strength, an objective measure of physical function for bedridden patients, as a predictor of walking recovery in the year after fracture surgery.”  The authors enrolled 504 patients aged 70 years or older “who were admitted to the hospital for hip fracture surgery and were formerly able to walk independently.” The authors conducted a multivariable evaluation of each participant that included a brief physical examination, and cognitive assessment using the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire and the Geriatric Depression Scale. The authors conclude that, “in older patients with [...]

The authors of a recent study published in Drugs and Aging evaluated the factors associated with severe acute pain after total knee arthroplasty (TKA) surgery. The authors found that poor acute pain control after TKA is strongly associated with chronic pain development,” which emphasizes the importance of attention to good acute pain control after TKA among older adults. The study results indicate that “complementary or psychological therapies may be beneficial for those patients who have failed other options or have depression associated with chronic pain.” Full Story

The authors of a recent study published in Physiotherapy Canada explored the “feasibility and efficacy of using a power training exercise program for elderly women with knee osteoarthritis (OA).” The authors enrolled 17 older adult women who participated in a exercise program that consisted of 24 sessions over the course of 8 weeks. The study results indicate that a “short power-training exercise program is a feasible training modality for patients with knee OA, and significant functional improvements can be achieved.” Full Story

The authors of a  recent report published in Journal of Pain and Palliative Care Pharmacotherapy provided information on the increasing need for palliative care treatments and programs to address the chronic conditions of older adults. The authors state that pain was a common condition and that "chronic pain affected more than 50% of older people in the community." The study results indicate that more palliative care treatments for older adults should be developed with an emphasis on pain treatment and management. Full Story

The authors of a recent study published in Arthritis Care and Research (Hoboken) reviewed “evidence suggesting that older adults are under-represented in randomized clinical trials (RCTs) designed to address back pain.” The authors identified “274 RCTs, published between 1992 and 2010 that met the inclusion criteria.” A total of 41.6% (n=114) of the included trials excluded people over 65 years, suggesting that older adults are largely excluded from RCTs evaluating management of lower back pain. Full Story

The authors of a recent study published in Home Healthcare Services Quarterly “examined the longitudinal association between pain and diagnosis of cancer among older adults participating in the Home and Community Based Waiver Program.” The study results indicate that “being female, having a medical diagnosis of depression, or increasing measure of comorbid conditions significantly increased the likelihood of daily pain.” In comparison, “increasing age, being of African American, Hispanic, or "other" race resulted in a significantly decreased likelihood of daily pain.” Full Story

The authors of a recent study published in Physiotherapy Canada identified “exercise patterns and perceived barriers, enablers, and motivators to engaging in exercise for older adults following hip fracture.” The study enrolled 32 older adults who completed a series of telephone interviews one year after a reported hip fracture. The study results indicate that “older adults engage in exercise despite the potential limitations associated with a hip fracture,” and that the most common exercise motivator “was recovery of function to improve mobility and complete daily and leisure activities.” Full Story

A study published in Pain Management Nursing examined "the types of pain-relevant programs offered by senior centers and whether the programs varied by clients' race/ethnicity status and center size." The authors found that the most common programs were exercise, dance, walking clubs, yoga, and Tai Chi classes. The study results indicate that "future research should determine optimal strategies for engaging older adults in these programs in the senior center setting." Full Story

A study published in Pain Management Nursing examined "the types of pain-relevant programs offered by senior centers and whether the programs varied by clients' race/ethnicity status and center size." The authors found that the most common programs were exercise, dance, walking clubs, yoga, and Tai Chi classes. The study results indicate that "future research should determine optimal strategies for engaging older adults in these programs in the senior center setting." Full Story

A recent study published in Pain Medicine featured information on the prevalence of neuropathic pain in older adults with back pain. The authors enrolled 261 older adults (65 years and older) with chronic back conditions. The study results indicate that a higher pain score was “associated with higher body mass index and pain radiating below the knee. “ The authors conclude that future research should focus on back pain among older adults in conjunction with other pain sites (i.e., knee joints). Full Story