Pain as a predictor of frailty over time among older Mexican Americans

Association Between Musculoskeletal Pain and Frailty Over Time in Older Adults

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

There is a high frequency of frailty in patients with musculoskeletal pain. Pain from osteoarthritis and lower back pain may be associated with frailty. However, the future risk of frailty among older adults with pain remains unclear. Thus, the primary objective of this study was to examine the association between musculoskeletal pain and the risk of becoming prefrail and frail in older adults.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS

A secondary analysis was performed using data from baseline and 1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 6-, and 8-year follow-ups of the Osteoarthritis Initiative (OAI). The OAI recruited participants from 4 clinical sites in the United States, between February 2004 and May 2006. A self-reported questionnaire was used to determine the baseline musculoskeletal pain status in older adults (n = 1780) 65 years and older, including pain in the lower back, hip, knee, and at 2 or more sites. Using the Fried phenotypic criteria, participants were classified as nonfrail, prefrail, and frail at each period over 8 years.

RESULTS

After adjusting for age, sex, race, education, marital status, annual income, smoking status, comorbidities, and body mass index, binary logistic regression modeling using generalized estimating equations revealed that in older adults musculoskeletal pain in the lower back and at multiple sites was associated with a slightly but significantly decreased risk of prefrailty over time (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.98, 95% CI = 0.95-0.99, P = .019; AOR = 0.96, CI = 0.92-0.99, P = .032). The association between musculoskeletal pain and frailty among older adults was not statistically significant (all P > .05).

CONCLUSIONS

Musculoskeletal pain did not independently significantly increase the risk of prefrailty or frailty over time. It remains possible that when musculoskeletal is combined with other factors, the risk of prefrailty and frailty may be heightened. Further research into the combination of characteristics that best predict prefrailty and frailty, including but not limited to musculoskeletal pain, is warranted.

Impact of frailty severity and severe pain on cognitive function for community-dwelling older adults with arthritis: a cross-sectional study in Korea

Pain is a major symptom of arthritis in older adults, often leading to frailty and cognitive decline. However, few studies have investigated the relationship among pain, frailty, and cognitive function in older adults with arthritis. This study aimed to investigate the factors influencing cognitive function and the impact of frailty severity and pain on cognitive function in older adults with arthritis using a Korean population-based dataset. This cross-sectional descriptive study involved the secondary data of 1089 participants from the seventh and eighth waves of the Korean Longitudinal Study on Aging. We examined general characteristics, health behaviors, health conditions (including severe pain and frailty), and cognitive function. Participants were categorized based on the presence or absence of pain severity and frailty status as follows: robust, only severe pain, only prefrail, prefrail with severe pain, only frail, and frail with severe pain. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to establish correlations between groups and cognitive function. The only-prefrail group was the largest (19.7%) among participants experiencing either pain or frailty. Advanced age, sex, level of education, and visual and hearing impairments were significantly associated with cognitive function. Compared to the robust group, only prefrail (β = -1.54, confidence interval [CI] = - 2.33; - 0.76), prefrail with severe pain (β = - 2.69, CI = - 3.52; - 1.87), only frail (β = - 4.02, CI = - 5.08; - 2.97), and frail with severe pain (β = - 5.03, CI = - 5.99; - 4.08) groups were associated with lower Mini-Mental State Examination scores. The study confirmed that severe pain alone does not significantly impact cognitive function in older adults with arthritis. To prevent cognitive decline in this group, assessment of both pain and frailty severity is essential to predict high-risk groups and provide appropriate interventions, such as transfer to hospitals or primary clinics according to the severity of pain and frailty.

Assessment of relationships between frailty and chronic pain: a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomisation study

BACKGROUND

Previous observational studies have indicated a complex association between chronic pain and frailty. This study aimed to examine the bidirectional causal relationship between frailty and chronic pain and to quantify mediating effects of known modifiable risk factors.

METHODS

A bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomisation (MR) analysis was applied in this study. Summary genome-wide association statistics for frailty, as defined by both frailty index (FI) and Fried Frailty Score (FFS), pain at seven site-specific chronic pain (SSCP) (headache, facial, neck/shoulder, stomach/abdominal, back, hip and knee) and multisite chronic pain (MCP) were extracted from populations of European ancestry. Genetic instrumental variables strongly correlated with each exposure were selected. The inverse-variance-weighted method was the primary method used in the MR, supplemented by a range of sensitivity and validation analyses. Two-step MR analysis was undertaken to evaluate the mediating effects of several proposed confounders.

RESULTS

Genetically predicted higher FI and FFS were associated with an increased risk of MCP and specific types of SSCP, including neck/shoulder pain, stomach/abdominal pain, back pain, hip pain and knee pain. In the reverse direction analysis, genetic liability to MCP was found to be associated with increased FI and FFS. These results remained consistent across sensitivity and validation assessments. Two-step MR suggested a mediating role for body mass index, smoking initiation, physical inactivity, educational attainment and depression.

CONCLUSIONS

Our research provided genetic evidence that the association between frailty and chronic pain was bidirectional where the coexistence of both conditions will exacerbate each other.

Understanding the Causes of Frailty Using a Life-Course Perspective: A Systematic Review

(1) Background: Few studies have examined risk factors of frailty during early life and mid-adulthood, which may be critical to prevent frailty and/or postpone it. The aim was to identify early life and adulthood risk factors associated with frailty. (2) Methods: A systematic review of cohort studies (of at least 10 years of follow-up), using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines (PRISMA). A risk of confounding score was created by the authors for risk of bias assessment. Three databases were searched from inception until 1 January 2023 (Web of Science, Embase, PubMed). Inclusion criteria were any cohort study that evaluated associations between any risk factor and frailty. (3) Results: Overall, a total of 5765 articles were identified, with 33 meeting the inclusion criteria. Of the included studies, only 16 were categorized as having a low risk of confounding due to pre-existing diseases. The long-term risk of frailty was lower among individuals who were normal weight, physically active, consumed fruits and vegetables regularly, and refrained from tobacco smoking, excessive alcohol intake, and regular consumption of sugar or artificially sweetened drinks. (4) Conclusions: Frailty in older adults might be prevented or postponed with behaviors related to ideal cardiovascular health.

Pain-Related Anxiety in Spanish-Speaking Mexican Americans Who Report Chronic Pain: Psychometric Evaluation of a New Spanish Adaptation of the 20-Item Pain Anxiety Symptom Scale (PASS-20)

The 20-item Pain Anxiety Symptom Scale (PASS-20) was adapted for Spanish-speaking Mexican Americans who report chronic pain (SSMACP). The instrument measures pain-related anxiety with fear, physiological, avoidance/escape, and cognitive anxiety as subtypes. In SSMACP, the Spanish PASS-20's psychometric properties were evaluated while exploring relationships between pain-related anxiety with other variables. Using convenience sampling, 188 SSMACP (women = 108, men = 77; mean age = 37.20 years, standard deviation = 9.87) were recruited across the United States. Confirmatory factor analyses examined the structural validity of the hierarchical factor structure. Hierarchical multiple regression examined incremental validity. Correlational analyses examined convergent validity. Cronbach's coefficient alphas and McDonald's omegas examined internal consistency. Pearson's r, t-tests, and analysis of variance tests examined relationships between demographic variables and PASS-20 scores. Confirmatory factor analyses supported the hierarchical factor structure (root mean square error of approximation = .061, standardized root mean residual = .038, comparative fit index = .940). Total and subscale PASS-20 scores had acceptable convergent validity and internal consistency (range = .75-.93). Hierarchical multiple regression found that total and subscale PASS-20 scores have adequate incremental validity, considering that they contributed uniquely to the prediction of generalized anxiety scores above and beyond other pain-related scores. Demographic variables were significantly related to total and subscale PASS-20 scores. Evidence supports the use of Spanish total and subscale PASS-20 scores in SSMACP. Exploratory evidence also informed on the possible consequences and predictors of their pain-related anxiety. The results also encourage pain research in specific populations from Latin America (eg, Mexican Americans). PERSPECTIVE: The Spanish PASS-20 has adequate psychometric properties in SSMACP. This instrument can help catalyze pain research in SSMACP by informing on their pain-related anxiety and by helping evaluate other pain-related instruments. Evidence also informed on pain-related anxiety in SSMACP.

Does depression mediate the pain-frailty relationship? Latent variables approach

Frailty is highly prevalent among older adults. This study aims to add evidence to the mediational role of depression in the pain-frailty relationship. Data came from a sample of 2578 Spanish older adults recruited from the Survey of Health, Aging, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE). A set of competing structural equation models were performed: (a) independent prediction, (b) full mediation, and (c) partial mediation. Results showed a better fit for the partial mediation model. This model was extended including covariates. The effects of pain and depression remained relevant in the final model, which explained 91% of the frailty variance. These findings support the relevance of the pain-depression dyad in frailty development. Although the pain shows a direct impact on frailty, this association is partially mediated by depression. The interplay of these conditions could be crucial for treatment effectiveness.

Frailty among older Hispanics living in the United States: A scoping review

A scoping review was conducted to identify the available evidence about frailty among older Hispanics living in the U.S. using the Integral Model of Frailty. A not time-limited search was conducted in five peer-reviewed databases. Identified factors associated with frailty among older Hispanics are presented in four categories: (1) Characteristics and prevalence of frailty, (2) Life course determinants of frailty, (3) Comorbidities associated with frailty, and (4) Adverse outcomes of frailty. A total of 1030 articles were identified, and 37 articles were included in the scoping review. Most studies measured frailty based on the Fried Frailty Phenotype (59.5%, n= 22) and had a longitudinal design (64.9%, n= 24). The overall prevalence of frailty among Hispanics ranged from 4.3% to 37.1% (n= 20 studies). Further research is needed that targets Hispanics from different backgrounds in the U.S., particularly those that are high in number (i.e., Mexicans, Puerto Ricans, and Central Americans).

Loneliness Exacerbates the Association Between Bodily Pain and Depressive Symptoms Among Middle-Aged and Older Latinx Adults

Objectives: To investigate the associations between three bodily pain dimensions (intensity, frequency, severity) and depressive symptoms among middle-aged and older Latinxs ages 40-94 and to determine whether loneliness conditioned the pain-depressive symptoms associations. Methods: Data are from a community-based study of community-dwelling residents in Florida (N = 527). Multivariable linear regression models assessed the impact of each pain dimension on depressive symptoms, controlling for sociodemographic factors. Interactions determined whether loneliness moderated the pain-depressive symptoms relationships. Results: Each pain dimension was positively associated with depressive symptoms (p < .01). Loneliness modified the impact of pain frequency and pain severity on depressive symptoms. Those with moderate and high loneliness levels experienced an amplified pain-depressive symptoms association. Discussion: Findings underscore the synergistic effects of pain and loneliness in exacerbating depressive symptomatology among middle-aged and older Latinx adults. Loneliness is an important point of intervention to improve mental health among aging Latinxs.

Impact of Pain Neuroscience Education Program in Community Physiotherapy Context on Pain Perception and Psychosocial Variables Associated with It in Elderly Persons: A Ranzomized Controlled Trial

This study investigated the long-term effect (six-months) of a Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE) program on pain perception, quality of life, kinesiophobia and catastrophism in older adults with multimorbidity and chronic pain. Fifty participants (n = 50) were randomly assigned to the pain education therapy group (PET; n = 24) and control group (CG; n = 26). The PET group received six sessions (i.e., once a week, 50 min) about neurophysiology of pain while the CG carried on with their usual life. Perception of pain through the visual analogue scale (VAS), quality of life (EQ-5D questionnaire), kinesiophobia (TSK-11) and catastrophism (PCS) were assessed after six months since the last PNE session. Statistically significant differences on VAS (t₍₄₈₎ = 44, p = 0.01, ES = 0.42 [0.13, 0.65]) was found in favor to PET group. No other statistically significant differences were found. This study found that the application of a PNE intervention in an isolated form was able to significantly reduce pain perception with low effect size in the long-term (six months after intervention) in elderly people with chronic pain.

Development and validation of the sleep assessment instrument for older adults with pain

BACKGROUND

The co-occurrence of chronic pain and sleep disturbance contribute to a significant functional and social impact in older adults. However, there are no validated instruments to measure sleep disturbance and pain in this population that could be used to screen or diagnose individuals or monitor treatment effectiveness.

OBJECTIVE

Our aim was to develop and validate a brief, practical, and comprehensive tool to assess the impact of co-occurring pain and sleep disturbance in older adults.

METHODS

Development and validation of a measurement tool for assessing pain and sleep in older adults consisting of seven items.

RESULTS

We applied the "Sleep Assessment Instrument for Pain in older adults" (SAIOAP) in a sample of 100 older individuals. A Cronbach's alpha of 0.602 indicated a moderate level of reliability, and item-total correlations of ≥0.4 for all items indicated good homogeneity. There were statistically significant correlations between the SAIOAP and sleep quality (PSQI, r=61.5), pain intensity (VNS, r=30.5), the multidimensional impacts of pain (GPM, r=40.5), depression (GEAP, r=45.5), comorbidity (r=27.9), and medication use (r=30.4). A ROC curve indicated a sensitivity of 73.2% and a specificity of 79.1% in relation to the prediction of sleep disturbances associated with pain in older adults.

CONCLUSIONS

The SAIOAP presented adequate metric properties and was demonstrated to be a simple and practical tool for the assessment of the impact of pain on sleep in older adults.

Higher levels of physical activity buffered the negative effect of pain severity on physical frailty in older Latinx adults

This cross-sectional study examined whether and to what extent physical activity (PA) mediated the effect of chronic pain on physical frailty in a sample of predominantly older Latinx adults. Study participants were 118 community-dwelling older adults in southwest United States. Physical frailty was measured by a summary score of physical function tests. Pain severity and pain interference were measured by the Brief Pain Inventory. PA levels were defined as meeting the PA recommendation by 7-day accelerometry. Pain outcomes and PA were associated with physical frailty, respectively. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that PA mediated the relationship between pain severity and physical frailty. However, no mediation effect of PA was found in the relationship between pain interference and physical frailty scores. Higher levels of PA buffered the negative effect of pain severity on physical frailty. Future studies should pay attention to PA promotion to prevent the negative consequences of frailty in older minority adults.

Association of Pain and Impact of Dual-Task Exercise on Function, Cognition and Quality of Life

PURPOSE

This study aimed to assess the factors associated with pain and evaluate the impact of dual-task exercise on pain improvement, quality of life (QOL), cognition and function in older adults.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This study is a secondary data analysis of the HAPPY (Healthy Ageing Promotion Program for You) study. At risk older adults ≥ 60 years old were enrolled in a community dual-task exercise program. Assessments for frailty, sarcopenia, falls, quality of life (QOL) and perceived health, depression, cognition and physical function were performed at baseline and 3 months. Pain intensity was derived from EQ-5D and stratified into no pain, slight pain and moderate to extreme pain.

RESULTS

Out of 296 participants, 37.2% had slight pain and 11.1% had moderate to severe pain. Both slight and moderate to extreme pain compared with no pain group were significantly associated with lower perceived health (68.2,63.6 vs 76.0) and QOL index (0.70,0.59 vs 0.93); moderate to extreme pain was also significantly associated with depression, low mental vitality, frailty, sarcopenia and poorer physical performance. After 3 months of dual-task exercise, pain improved in 70.8% of the moderate to extreme pain group and 50.8% of slight pain group. Significant improvement in perceived health, QOL, physical function and cognition were also observed.

CONCLUSION

Proactive efforts are required to screen for pain and manage frailty, sarcopenia and depression. Dual-task exercise proved safe and possibly effective in reducing pain and improving QOL, physical and cognitive function in older adults. Prospective randomized studies are needed to validate the effectiveness of dual-task vs single-task exercise, including impact of reversal of frailty and sarcopenia in pain management.

Association between frailty and chronic pain among older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

Frailty and chronic pain are prevalent among older adults. However, no study has systematically reviewed the association between frailty and chronic pain in older adults. Therefore, we aimed to estimate the prevalence of frailty and prefrailty among older adults with chronic pain and review the longitudinal association between frailty status and chronic pain.

METHODS

Embase, Medline, Pubmed, and Cochrane library were searched from inception to March 2020. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. Random effect models and Mantel-Haenszel weighting were adopted to synthesize the estimates.

RESULTS

Among the initial 846 articles retrieved, 24 were included in the review (12 cross-sectional, and 12 longitudinal). The pooled prevalence in persons with chronic pain was 18% (95% CI 14-23%; I² = 98.7%) for frailty and 43% (95% CI 36-51%; I² = 98.2%) for prefrailty. The pooled prevalence of chronic pain was 50% (95% CI 45-55%; I² = 88.3%) for individuals with frailty and 37% (95% CI 31-42%; I² = 97.1%) for individuals with prefrailty. Persons with chronic pain were 1.85 (95% CI 1.49-2.28; I² = 93.2%) times more likely to develop frailty after an average follow-up of 5.8 years compared to those without.

CONCLUSION

Frailty and prefrailty are common in persons with chronic pain. Chronic pain among non-frail older persons significantly predicts the incidence of frailty after an average follow-up of 5.8 years. Future studies should explore the efficacy of different pain management strategies in reducing physical frailty and clarify the association of other types of frailty (cognitive, social and psychological) with chronic pain.

Relationship Between Pain, Opioid Treatment, and Delirium in Older Emergency Department Patients

OBJECTIVES

Emergency department (ED) stay and its associated conditions (immobility, inadequate hydration and nutrition, lack of stimulation) increase the risk of delirium in older patients. Poorly controlled pain and paradoxically opioid pain treatment have also been identified as triggers for delirium. The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between pain, opioid treatment, and delirium in older ED patients.

METHODS

A multicenter prospective cohort study was conducted in four hospitals across the province of Québec (Canada). Patients aged ≥ 65 years old, waiting for hospital admission between March and July 2015, who were nondelirious upon ED arrival, who were independent or semi-independent in their daily living activities, and who had an ED stay of at least 8 hours were included. Delirium assessments were conducted twice a day during the patient's entire ED stay and their first 24 hours on the hospital ward using the Confusion Assessment Method. Pain intensity was evaluated using a visual analog scale (VAS = 0-100) during the initial interview, and all opioid treatments were documented.

RESULTS

A total of 338 patients were included; 51% were female, and mean (±SD) age was 77 (±8) years. Forty-one patients (12%) experienced delirium during their hospital stay occurring within a mean (±SD) delay of 47 (±19) hours after ED admission. Among patients with pain intensity ≥ 65 from VAS (0-100), 26% experienced delirium compared to 11% for patients with pain < 65 (p < 0.01), and no significant association was found between opioid consumption and delirium (p = 0.31). Logistic regression controlling for confounding factors showed that patients with pain intensity ≥ 65 are 3.3 (95% confidence interval = 1.4 to 7.9) times more likely to develop delirium than patients who had pain intensity of <65.

CONCLUSIONS

Severe pain, not opioids, is associated with the development of delirium during ED stay. Adequate pain control during the hospital stay may contribute to a decrease in delirium episodes.