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Abstract
Objective
Evaluate the degree of clinical benefit of an exercising program performed by elderly patients with chronic pain.
Methods
This is an uncontrolled prospective longitudinal study that enrolled subjects with musculoskeletal pain who were voluntarily participating in the YMCA's elderly exercise program. Each session started with a 15-minute meeting to talk about their daily lives. Afterwards, they performed an hour session of flexibility, muscular strength, and aerobic exercises. There were four assessments that included a demographic data questionnaire, Visual Analog Scale [VAS] for pain intensity, the Health Assessment Questionnaire [HAQ], and the Medical Outcome Study Short Form-36 Health Survey [SF-36].
Results
Thirty-four subjects, all over 60 years old, with 83 percent female and 17 percent male were studied. The pain VAS showed a significant improvement in time 1 and 2 in relation to other times. Significant improvement in the HAQ and the functional capacity [P < 0.0001], pain [P < 0.0001], general health [P < 0.0001], social [P = 0.0002], and mental health [P = 0.002] scales of the SF-36 was observed. There was no improvement in the physical and emotional aspects and vitality. Furthermore, there was a significant improvement in general health when compared to a year before.
Conclusion
Physical exercise performed by patients with chronic pain who are looking for a support program for the elderly is beneficial in relation to the intensity of pain, functional capacity, and quality of life.