Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial of a Mind–Body Activity Program for Older Adults With Chronic Pain and Cognitive Decline: The Virtual "Active Brains" Study. (6th September 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Doorley, James D; Mace, Ryan A; Popok, Paula J; Grunberg, Victoria A; Ragnhildstveit, Anya; Vranceanu, Ana-Maria
• Editors: Meeks, Suzanne
• Is Part Of: Gerontologist. Volume 62:Number 7(2022)
• Page Start: 1082
• Page End: 1094
• Publication Date: 2021-09-06
• Subjects: Chronic illness -- Chronic pain -- Cognitive decline -- Mind–body -- Physical activity; Older people -- Periodicals; Older people -- United States -- Periodicals; 305.2605
• DOI: 10.1093/geront/gnab135
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0016-9013

Abstract

Abstract: Background and Objectives: Chronic pain (CP) and cognitive decline (CD) are highly comorbid and debilitating among older adults. We iteratively developed Active Brains–Fitbit (AB-F), a group mind–body activity program aided by a Fitbit that is feasible and associated with improvements in physical, cognitive, and emotional functioning when delivered in-person to older adults with CP and CD. We adapted our intervention and methodology for remote delivery to bypass barriers to participation. Here we report on a feasibility randomized controlled trial of the virtual AB-F versus a Health Enhancement Program (HEP) educational control followed by qualitative exit interviews. Research Design and Methods: Older adults (aged ≥60) with CP and CD (2 cohorts) completed 8 weeks of AB-F ( n = 8) or HEP ( n = 11). Study procedures were fully remote via live video. Quantitative analyses explored feasibility and acceptability markers and within-group improvements in outcomes. Qualitative analyses were primarily deductive using the Framework Method. Results: AB-F met a priori set feasibility benchmarks, similar to our in-person pilot. Participation in AB-F was associated with preliminary signals of improvement in multimodal physical function, emotional function (anxiety), cognitive function, pain intensity, and coping (e.g., pain self-efficacy, catastrophizing). Participation in HEP was associated with smaller or negligible improvements. Exit interviews confirmed feasibility and satisfaction with our completely remote interventions and methodology. Discussion and Implications: Results provide evidence for the feasibility of our completely remote study and for initial markers of improvement after AB-F. The results will inform a fully powered remote efficacy trial. Clinical Trial Registration: NCT04044183.