New research done by the University of Limerick has revealed how exercise in the community can help tackle chronic pain.
Chronic pain affects one-third of all older Irish adults and can significantly negatively affect a person’s daily function and quality of life.
Led by the University of Limerick, The ComExPain trial was a community-based study focused on supporting older adults living with musculoskeletal pain.
While physical activity is recommended to help manage chronic pain, barriers such as safety concerns, limited opportunities and lack of support make it challenging for people with chronic pain to stay active.
Over 90 adults from the Mid-West having signed up to participate, this research explored how specialized exercise classes in local areas could support older people living with chronic pain.
Over a 6–8 week period, UL coaches provided yoga, aqua and pilates classes to people living with chronic pain.
Principal Investigator on the ComExPain trial and Professor of Physiotherapy at UL’s School of Allied Health, Professor Karen McCreesh, said: “This research highlights the importance of community involvement in pain research and demonstrated how a collaborative approach can empower older adults to improve their health and well-being.
“We are deeply grateful to everyone who took part – from the participants to our funders in the HRB and our fantastic partners in Limerick Sports Partnership and Chronic Pain Ireland. Their collaboration has been vital in ensuring this project has had a meaningful impact.
“It is hoped that the success of this feasibility study will lead to a rollout of similar classes nationwide.
“We look forward to building on this work to expand opportunities for people living with chronic pain to stay active and supported in their communities,” Professor McCreesh added.
Researchers, participants, and local partners gathered to celebrate the work of those who took part in the study and examine the findings at an event hosted by UL.
Many people who took part in the classes reported improved pain levels and enhanced ability to complete daily activities. Participants registered over 70% attendance at the classes, which exceeds the usual adherence to similar exercise interventions. Taking part in the classes empowered the participants to become active for the first time, and to sustain their involvement in physical activity after the project ended.
Retired Detective Garda Jim Browne from Ballyneety Men’s Shed was very active in his youth, winning five senior championships with his club, Claughaun. He has since suffered from chronic pain following multiple surgeries on his knee. He and a group from the men’s shed participated in the aqua classes held in St Gabriel’s hydrotherapy pool in Limerick.
He explained: “We took part in the research from start to finish and were thrilled to have a role in an academic study.
“Since then, it has been a catalyst for us to engage in further activity, including yoga and strength and conditioning, so we’re really pleased that the ComExPain trial was an opportunity for our group to participate in exercise in a safe environment.”
These classes have been sustained as part of the Limerick Sports Partnership suite of programmes.
