Development of Exercise Training Programme for Older People with Musculoskeletal Pain in the Community

Background: The rate of musculoskeletal pain among older people is increasing worldwide and significantly impacts the quality of life. Regular exercise can help prevent and manage chronic musculoskeletal pain because older individuals who are not physically active may have less muscle strength and a higher risk of impairment and injury than physically active persons. As a result, a tailored exercise program may prevent the loss of health-related quality of life among diverse elderly.

Objectives: This study aimed to develop a structured exercise module and identify its effect on musculoskeletal pain and the quality of life of older adults.

Method: A quasi-experimental study was conducted among 60 older adults who experienced musculoskeletal pain in the East Coast Malaysia; Pahang, Terengganu, and Kelantan between January and February 2021. A set of questionnaires contained three parts; Part A: Socio-demographic Background, Part B: Musculoskeletal Pain (Pain Score), and Part C: Functional Limitation. Data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire through an online survey. Data collection processes go through three phases. Phase I: pre-intervention phase, Phase II: intervention session, and Phase III: post-intervention.

Inclusion criteria

• Older adults aged 60 years old and above
• Lives in East Malaysia; Pahang, Kelantan, and Terengganu
• Have the mental capacity to give informed consent
• Had musculoskeletal pain

Exclusion criteria

• Had severely impaired hearing and sight that may have affected their ability to use the self-report scales
• Had neurological diseases or cognitive impairment
• Had a recent self-reported history of stroke or major surgery (in the past 6 months).