PURPOSE
The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of exercise on chronic musculoskeletal pain in older adults.
METHODS
In order to conduct a meta-analysis, a total 7,186 studies were retrieved from seven databases (Pubmed, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, RISS, KISS, NDSL, KoreaMed) without restriction on publication year and the articles published until June 2018 were selected for this study. Sixteen studies were selected for the meta-analysis based on their satisfaction of the inclusion criteria and low risk of bias. Baseline demographic data, exercise features, and outcome data were extracted from all included trials. The data was analyzed using the RevMan 5.2 and CMA 3.0. program.
RESULTS
The results of the meta-analysis (n=16) revealed that the exercise intervention was found to be significantly superior to control group on pain (Standardized Mean Difference [Hedges'g]=−0.43, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]=−0.59~−0.27). Also, meta-ANOVA was performed using study period, length and frequency of session and type of exercise, but no statistically significant moderators were found.
CONCLUSION
In this study, the exercise demonstrated significant reduction in pain intensity in older adults and there was no difference in pain reduction according to type or duration of exercise. Therefore, exercise that older adults prefers and is feasible in where they are, should be adopted as a nursing intervention for older adults' chronic musculoskeletal pain management.

Citations

• Effects of Contrast Therapy Using Flexible Thermoelectric Devices on Lower Extremity Edema, Pain, Muscle Fatigue, and Stress in Nursing Home Workers: A Randomized Controlled Trial
  Ji-Ah Song
  Korean Journal of Adult Nursing.2023; 35(1): 61.     CrossRef
• The best treatment option(s) for adult and elderly patients with chronic primary musculoskeletal pain: a protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis
  Helen Koechlin, Ben Whalley, Nicky J. Welton, Cosima Locher
  Systematic Reviews.2019;[Epub]     CrossRef