Feasibility Trial of a Mind-Body Activity Pain Management Program for Older Adults With Cognitive Decline
Author: Ryan A Mace1,2, Melissa V Gates1, Paula J Popok1, Ron Kulich2,3, Yakeel T Quiroz2,4, Ana-Maria Vranceanu1,2
Affiliation:
1 Integrated Brain Health Clinical and Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA.
2 Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA.
3 Center for Pain Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA.
4 Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA.
Conference/Journal: Gerontologist
Date published: 2020 Nov 7
Other:
Special Notes: doi: 10.1093/geront/gnaa179. , Word Count: 209
Background and objectives:
The relationship between chronic pain (CP) and cognitive decline (CD) is bidirectional among older adults. The CP-CD comorbidity can progressively worsen cognitive, physical, emotional, and social functioning with aging. We explored the feasibility and outcomes associated with two mind-body activity programs for CP and CD that focus on increasing walking using time goals (Active Brains) or step-count reinforced via Fitbit (Active Brains-Fitbit).
Research design and methods:
Older adults with CP and CD participated in a non-randomized open pilot of Active Brains (n = 6) and Active Brains-Fitbit (n = 6) followed by exit interviews. Quantitative analysis explored feasibility markers and signals of improvement on physical, cognitive, and emotional function, as well as additional program targets. Qualitative analyses were predominantly deductive and applied the Framework Method to enhance the programs and methodology.
Results:
Both programs met a-priori feasibility benchmarks. We found within-group improvements for pain intensity, pain-specific coping, physical function, and cognitive function in both programs. Exit interviews confirmed high satisfaction with both programs.
Discussion and implications:
Our mixed methods data provide preliminary evidence of feasibility, showed promise for improving outcomes, and yielded critical information to further enhance the programs. We discuss "lessons learned" and future directions.
Keywords: Chronic illness; Cognition; Mind-body; Pain management; Pilot study; Walking.
PMID: 33159516 DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnaa179
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