Community exercise program for older adults with chronic pain
Community-based Exercise for Older Adults With Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: a Randomised Controlled Feasibility Trial
This study is testing a community exercise program for older adults with chronic pain to see if fun activities like Tai Chi and Aquarobics can help them feel better and move more easily.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 72 (estimated) |
| Ages | 50 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Limerick Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Limerick) |
| Trial ID | NCT06535633 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This program aims to provide community-based exercise classes specifically designed for older adults suffering from chronic musculoskeletal pain. Trained exercise leaders will facilitate classes that incorporate enjoyable and accessible activities such as Tai Chi, Activator Pole walking, and Aquarobics, tailored to the needs of participants. The program also includes educational materials on pain management and the benefits of physical activity, addressing common barriers to exercise. By focusing on a biopsychosocial approach, the initiative seeks to empower participants to engage in physical activity safely and effectively.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 50 or older who have been experiencing chronic musculoskeletal pain for at least three months and are currently not meeting recommended exercise guidelines.
Not a fit: Patients with health conditions that could be exacerbated by exercise, such as neurological or cardiovascular issues, or those with significant mobility limitations, may not benefit from this program.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this program could significantly improve the quality of life for older adults by reducing chronic pain and enhancing their ability to engage in physical activity.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown positive outcomes with community-based exercise interventions for chronic pain, suggesting that this approach is both viable and beneficial.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Participants will be aged 50 or older, * report chronic MSK pain of ≥3 months duration, * not currently meeting the exercise guidelines of 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week (determined using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) Exclusion Criteria: * Participants will be excluded if they have health conditions which could be worsened by exercise (e.g. neurological, or cardiovascular conditions, post-exertional malaise (screened using the DePaul Post-Exertional Malaise Questionnaire have recently undergone trauma or surgery, or have significant mobility issues which would limit exercise participation. * Participants who are unable to communicate in English sufficiently to complete consent or baseline assessment will be excluded
Where this trial is running
Limerick
- University of Limerick, Ireland — Limerick, Ireland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Karen McCreesh, PhD — Ul
- Study coordinator: Karen McCreesh, PhD
- Email: karen.mccreesh@ul.ie
- Phone: 00353 61 234233
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.