Improvement in gait performance in oldest-old with chronic pain, after acupuncture intervention

Abstract

Aims: This study aimed to observe the possible benefits of acupuncture in chronic pain and gait performance of oldest-old, people aged 80 and older. Method: The study population consisted of oldest-old with chronic pain. For the initial assessment of pain was used a questionnaire containing a figure with anatomical regions and intensity of pain referred by the participant. The evaluation of the gait performance we used the Zeno walkway that has electronic sensors pressure and evaluates various gait parameters. After 10 acupuncture sessions, pain intensity and gait performance were reevaluated. The sessions had a frequency of twice a week and treatment was performed individually for several protocols points according to the illness or pain reported by each patient. Results: Twenty-three oldest-old were initially enrolled, 16 completed the ten sessions of acupuncture and proposed assessments. In the final evaluation, the intensity of pain decreased in 12 of the 13 sites initially referred. In gait parameters, we achieved significant improvement in step and stride length, increased gait speed and cadence. Conclusions: Demonstrated with this study that the acupuncture treatment was effective in reducing chronic pain and improvement in gait performance of the oldest-old.