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A recent study published in Medicine and Science in Sports Exercise “assessed the impact of isometric contractions that varied in intensity and duration on pain perception in adults over 60 years of age.” The authors conclude that “older adults experienced similar reductions in pain following several different intensities and durations of isometric contractions. Both older men and women experienced increases in pain threshold, but only older women experienced reductions in pain ratings.” Full Story

The British Journal of Anaesthesia recently featured a study that evaluated the use of psychosocial interventions in helping older adults manage their pain conditions. The article provides a conceptual background for psychosocial interventions, highlights cognitive behavioural therapy, emotional disclosure, and mind-body interventions for older adults, and provides directions for future research. Full Story

The Journal of Hand Therapy featured a study that evaluated container lid preferences of older adults with limited hand function and “self-reported difficulty opening jars.” The authors found that “the preferences of jar lids made by elderly females with hand pain support the recommendations commonly suggested by clinicians to increase the height, diameter, texture, and shape of jars, especially for lids smaller than 40 mm.” Full Story

A recent study published in the Journal of Integrative Medicine sought to examine the changes in “pain intensity among older adults before and after acupuncture treatment.” The authors found that “in older adults, acupuncture treatment decreases pulse rate, relieves pain in the shoulder, low back, and knee.” Full Story

The Journal of Manipulative Physiological Therapy recently featured a study that examined the effects of thrust (TM) and non-thrust manipulation (NTM) “on a sample of older subjects with low back pain.” The authors found that “subjects 55 years and older experienced statistically significant reduction in pain and disability from TM or NTM interventions.” Full Story  

A recent study published in Nursing Research sought to determine the impact of fatigue on health-related quality of life among patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The study consisted of 200 older adults who completed questionnaires that assessed “demographic variables, functional impairment, pain, and fatigue on perceived health impairment and satisfaction.” The authors found that “rheumatoid arthritis-related fatigue contributes to diminished psychological well-being in older adults.” Full Story

A recent study published in Patient Education and Counseling examined older adults experiencing difficulties in “attaining personal goals due to disease symptoms such as pain, fatigue and reduced mobility.” The study consisted of 305 patients (mean age: 62 years) diagnosed with polyarthritis who participated in a questionnaire study that evaluated “self-efficacy in relation to goal management.” The authors found that “goal management strategies were found to be important predictors of successful adaptation to polyarthritis.” Full Story

The Journal, Rheumatology International recently featured a study that evaluated “the roles of sociocultural status, distress and cognitive functions in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients who developed methotrexate (MTX)-related neutropenia.” The study consisted of 74 (age 60 and older) older adults diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. The Authors found that “low socioeconomical status and older age are associated with serious toxicity in RA patients using MTX” and that “measures should be taken to prevent wrong MTX dosing among patients.” Full Story

A recent study featured in Pain “compared an outpatient pain self-management (PSM) program, using cognitive-behavioural therapy and exercises, with 2 control conditions in 141 chronic pain patients aged 65years and older.” The authors found that “results immediately posttreatment indicated that relative to the Exercise-Attention Control (EAC) group, the PSM group was significantly improved on measures of pain distress, disability, mood, unhelpful pain beliefs, and functional reach.” Full Story

In Pain Management Nursing, a recent study evaluated the opinions of registered nurses regarding pain and the assessed need for pain medication for elderly patients through the use of questionnaires. The study consisted of 56 nurses municipal nursing homes and municipal home care. Full Story