Physical activity and endogenous pain modulation in older people: a scoping review protocol

Abstract

Objective: This scoping review aims to provide a systematic overview of the existing literature on physical activity and endogenous pain modulation (EPM), assessed using conditioned pain modulation (CPM), with a specific focus on older people with chronic pain. Introduction: Approximately 20% of the European population reports chronic pain, highlighting the problem of chronic pain in the general population. This prevalence increases to 50% in older people. Physical activity is one of the most frequently used treatments for pain management and relief. A possible mechanism underlying the positive effects of physical activity on pain may be related to its influence on EPM. The study will map (i) types of physical activity used to study its effect on EPM in older people; (ii) intervention protocols investigating physical activity and EMP, measured using CPM, in older people experiencing pain; and (iii) knowledge gaps requiring further research or interventions adapted to older people with pain. Inclusion criteria: This review will consider studies of people aged 60 years or older, using CPM to examine the effect of physical activity on EPM. All types of care settings will be eligible. Methods: This review will be conducted in accordance with the JBI methodology for scoping reviews. The following databases will be searched: MEDLINE (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, JBI Evidence Synthesis, PsycINFO, and PEDro. Review registration: Open Science Framework: https://osf.io/e7ndy/