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A randomized trial of walking versus physical methods for chronic pain management
Ferrell BA, Josephson KR, Pollan AM, Loy S, Ferrell BR
Aging Clinical and Experimental Research 1997 Feb-Apr;9(1-2):99-105
clinical trial
5/10 [Eligibility criteria: Yes; Random allocation: Yes; Concealed allocation: No; Baseline comparability: Yes; Blind subjects: No; Blind therapists: No; Blind assessors: No; Adequate follow-up: Yes; Intention-to-treat analysis: No; Between-group comparisons: Yes; Point estimates and variability: Yes. Note: Eligibility criteria item does not contribute to total score] *This score has been confirmed*

We conducted a pilot study to evaluate a practical exercise program for elderly people with chronic musculo-skeletal pain. Thirty-three subjects (mean age 73 years; 69% back pain; 24% knee pain; 9% hip pain) were randomly assigned to one of three groups. Group 1 received 6-week supervised program of walking. Group 2 received a pain education program that included instruction and demonstration of use of heat, cold, massage, relaxation and distraction. Group 3 received usual care. Outcomes including pain, self-reported health and functional status, and performance-based measures of functional status were evaluated at baseline, at two weeks and at eight weeks (end of study). Attendance was 100% for the education sessions and 93% for walking sessions. No injuries were sustained. Both intervention groups demonstrated significant improvements in pain (p < 0.05) and performance-based measures of functional status (p < 0.05), while the control group had no changes. These data suggest that patient education and fitness walking can improve overall pain management and related functional limitations among elderly people with chronic musculo-skeletal pain.

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