Non-pharmacological management of neuropathic pain in older adults: a systematic review.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions, including light therapy, in reducing neuropathic pain severity in older adults.
Results Summary
Light therapy was among the interventions studied, with some studies showing statistical and clinical significance, though conclusions were limited by small sample sizes and methodological shortcomings. The interventions, including light therapy, were generally safe and acceptable.
Population
Older adults aged ≥65 with neuropathic pain.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
electric and/or magnetic therapy | decrease | neuropathic pain severity | older adults | - | revealed both statistical and clinical significance | #1 |
acupuncture | decrease | neuropathic pain severity | older adults | - | revealed both statistical and clinical significance | #2 |
mindfulness meditation | decrease | neuropathic pain severity | older adults | - | revealed both statistical and clinical significance | #3 |
exercise | decrease | neuropathic pain severity | older adults | - | revealed both statistical and clinical significance | #4 |
light therapy | decrease | neuropathic pain severity | older adults | - | revealed both statistical and clinical significance | #5 |
INTRODUCTION: Neuropathic pain encompasses multiple diagnoses with detrimental impacts on quality of life and overall health. In older adults, pharmacological management is limited by adverse effects and drug interactions, while surgical management involves perioperative risk. Prior reviews addressing non-pharmacological interventions for neuropathic pain have not focused on this demographic. Therefore, this systematic review synthesizes the evidence regarding the effectiveness of non-pharmacological interventions in reducing neuropathic pain severity in older adults. METHODS: PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, and PsycInfo were searched using key terms, with inclusion criteria of age ≥ 65, neuropathic pain, non-pharmacological intervention, pain severity measurement, English language, peer-reviewed, and either randomized controlled trial (RCT) or quasi-experimental design. In total, 2759 records were identified, with an additional 28 records identified by review of reference lists. After removal of duplicates, 2288 records were screened by title and abstract, 404 full-text articles were assessed, and 19 articles were critically reviewed and synthesized. RESULTS: Of the 14 RCTs and 5 quasi-experimental studies included in the review, the most common intervention was electric and/or magnetic therapy, followed by acupuncture, mindfulness meditation, exercise, and light therapy. Several studies revealed both statistical and clinical significance, but conclusions were limited by small sample sizes and methodological shortcomings. The interventions were generally safe and acceptable. CONCLUSIONS: Results should be interpreted with consideration of clinical vs statistical significance, mediators of pain severity, and individual variations in effectiveness. Further research should address multimodal and novel interventions, newer models of care, and technology-based interventions.