The Effect of a Self-management Program on the Quality-of-Life of Community-dwelling Older Adults with Chronic Musculoskeletal Knee Pain: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial

Esther Y.T. Kwok, Ricky K.C. Au, Cecilia W.P. Li-Tsang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate a 6-week self-management program on pain conducted in a mobile setting at the residences of older adult participants. Methods: In this single-blinded randomized controlled trial, 46 community-dwelling older adults with chronic knee pain were randomly assigned to the experimental (n = 19) and wait-list control groups (n = 27). The experimental group engaged in the 6-week program while the control group was only given some pamphlets on exercise and joint care. The pain level, physical functions, QOL, and self-efficacy of the participants in both groups were assessed at baseline, post-program, and at the 1-month follow-up session. Both baseline and post-program (or post-control-period assessment) data were analyzed. Results: The results showed that the participants in the experimental group had a higher level of self-efficacy, better performance in walking test, a higher level of quality-of-life, and less frequency of pain at the post-program follow-up as compared to the control group. The effect was maintained among the experimental group at post-4-week follow-up and further reduction in pain was detected. Conclusions: The program appeared to be effective at improving the pain status, self-efficacy, functional performance, and quality-of-life of older adults. However, as the sample size was small, further study is suggested to investigate the effects of the program.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)428-448
Number of pages21
JournalClinical Gerontologist
Volume39
Issue number5
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 19 Oct 2016
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Chronic musculoskeletal pain
  • community-dwelling older adults
  • quality-of-life
  • self-management program

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