Promoting a foundation of resilience in older adults: pilot trial of a strengths-based positive psychology intervention for chronic low back pain.

INTRODUCTION

Chronic low back pain (cLBP) is a global public health problem and a leading cause of disability among older adults. Recent years have seen a burgeoning interest in promoting resilience in individuals with chronic pain; however, therapeutic strategies that focus on positive psychological resources and individual strengths are understudied among older adult populations. The aim of this study was to examine the feasibility and acceptability of a resilience-promoting intervention among older adults with cLBP, and to assess preliminary treatment effects on pain severity, pain interference, and quality of life.

METHODS

Participants included 50 adults, ages ≥50 years, with back pain rated (at minimum) of moderate intensity and having a significant impact on daily activities. This single-arm trial included seven weekly group sessions targeting positive psychology concepts and techniques that have established benefits in pain management.

RESULTS

Results suggest high credibility and engagement in the intervention program. Participants found the weekly session content to be beneficial and global treatment satisfaction was high. Pain intensity (-4.3 [-6.14, -2.54]), pain interference (-3.3 [-4.83, -1.80]), depression (-1.6 [-3.16, -0.04]) and QoL-health satisfaction (0.3 [0.01, 0.55]) improved from pre- to post-intervention. At the 3-month follow-up, improvements were also observed for pain intensity (-2.1 [-9.29, -5.04]), pain interference (-5.3 [-6.54, -2.86]), and QoL-physical health (0.9 [0.11, 1.74]).

DISCUSSION: Results support the feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy of a resilience intervention for older adults with cLBP. These findings may be a step toward the advancement of therapeutic pain modalities and provide a foundation for future research on resilience-promoting interventions for aging populations with chronic pain.