Do Physical Activities Prevent the Occurrence of Bothersome Pain?

Abstract

We examined the associations between physical activity (PA)—measured through self-reported walking and vigorous activities—and pain occurrence (self-reported bothersome pain or frequent pain medication use), and persistent pain (pain occurring for two consecutive years). This analysis used a large, nationally representative sample of 2279 older adults from the National Health and Aging Trends Study of 2015–2018, and applied generalized estimating equation regression with propensity score weighting. Approximately 70% and 50% of the participants reported walking and vigorous activities respectively at baseline. The cumulative incidence over the 3-year follow-up time was approximately 60%, and was similar across PA groups. The risk of pain occurrence or persistent pain did not differ by walking or by vigorous activity status (relative risks ranged from 0.97 to 1.20, and the 95% CIs included one). While pain occurrence was common among older adults, our analysis did not find it to be associated with PA.