Panacea Index Logo

Command Palette

Search for a command to run...

Non-pharmacological management of neuropathic pain in older adults: a systematic review.

Pain medicine (Malden, Mass.)
January 1, 1970
Ashleigh Holmes et al. (2 authors)
Systematic ReviewJournal ArticleHuman Study
Study Details

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

Extracted Claims (5)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
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
Abstract

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.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
HumansAgedExerciseNeuralgiaAcupuncture TherapyQuality of LifePain Measurement
Study Links
Quality Scores
SafetyNot Assessed
Efficacy65/10
Quality75/10
Citation Metrics
Total Citations1
Citations/Year1.0
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.25
Weight Score1.37
Normalized Score0.61
Related Supplements
Non-pharmacological management of neuropathic pain in older ... | Panacea Index