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Pain neuroscience education significantly improved pain
disability, gait speed and fear of movement in older adults with chronic back
and/or lower extremity pain.
As per the study published in “Physiotherapy Theory and
Practice”, pain neuroscience education offers significant potential as a
practical and useful treatment approach for older adults with chronic pain.
Chronic pain due to musculoskeletal disorders is the
leading cause of disability in older adults. It significantly reduces the
quality of life and increases the incidence of depression, the chance of being
institutionalized. With the growing assent of the biopsychosocial model of
pain, more focus has been given to interventions which target non-physical
aspects of pain. These include interventions such as cognitive behavioral
therapy, progressive relaxation, and mindfulness meditation.
Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE) aims to change the beliefs of patients with chronic pain. Unlike other educational strategies, PNE focuses on teaching patients about the complex factors which contribute to the development of pain. Therefore, Rufa A et al. conducted this quasi-experimental feasibility study to determine whether adults over the age of 65 with chronic pain find PNE to be understandable, relevant and helpful. Secondly, the association between PNE and changes in disability, fear of movement, and gait speed in older adults.
Twenty-five subjects aged more than 65 with a history of
lower back and lower extremity pain were included in the study. The subjects
were given two semi-standardized one-on-one PNE sessions. In between sessions,
the patients were given a booklet to read named “Why Do I Hurt, Louw, International
Spine and Pain Institute, USA”. After the second session, the subject’s
perception of PNE was measured. Gait speed, pain disability and fear of
movement were measured pre and post PNE. All the subjects reported favorable
outcomes with PNE post-second session.
Physiother Theory Pract. 2018 Mar 30:1-11.
The use of pain neuroscience education in older adults with chronic back and/or lower extremity pain
Rufa A et al.
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