Effect of a four-hour joint fixation period on joint contractures with hindlimb unweighting in rats

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the association of pain intensity and fear of pain with executive function in community-dwelling older adults with chronic pain. Methods: The community-dwelling older adults with chronic pain (pain duration≥ 3 months) were recruited. People whose Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score was less than 24 point were excluded. Executive functionwas assessed by Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST). Subjective pain intensity was assessed by Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Fear of pain was assessed by Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia (TSK). Depression was measured using Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Pearson correlation test, Spearman rank correlation test and multiple regression analysis were used. In multiple regression analysis, DSST was taken as the main explanatory variable, whereas NRS/TSK was the outcome variable. Age, sex, years of education, the number of medication use, analgesic medication, MMSE, GDS and TSK/NRS were included as confounding factors. Results:Participantswere 105 community-dwelling older adults (78 women, mean age: 74.0± 6.6 years). In univariate analysis, DSST was associated with NRS and TSK significantly (NRS;ρ =−0.27, p< 0.001, TSK; r=−0.24, p< 0.05). In multivariate analysis, after adjustment, NRS and TSK was still associated with DSST (NRS; adjusted β =−0.30, p< 0.05, adjusted R2 = 0.16, TSK; adjusted β =−0.25, p< 0.05, adjusted R2 = 0.26). Conclusion(s): Pain intensity and fear of pain was associated with executive function in community-dwelling older adults with chronic pain. Implications: In order to reduce pain intensity or to improve fear of pain in community dwelling older adults with chronic pain, it would be efficacious to approach to executive function.