2017 Volume 7 Issue 1 Pages 7-12
The purpose of this study is to investigate the functional differences between community-dwelling elderly women with and without pain. A total of 186 elderly women participated in this study (mean age: 72.5 years, SD: 5.9). We assessed physical function,mental function and cognitive function. After classification of subjects by number of painful areas (pain-free, single painful area, 2 or more painful areas), we performed an analysis using analysis of variance and multiple comparisons for the number of painful areas. Compared with the pain-free group and group with a single painful area, the group with 2 or more painful areas had decreased physical function (isometric knee-extension strength,raising the upper body, one-leg standing time, and Timed Up and Go test) and decreased mental function (sleep quality and subjective health). However, the results of analysis of variance and multiple regression analysis showed no significant differences between the pain-free and single painful area groups. These findings suggest that it is necessary to assess the association between physical and mental function and pain according to the number of painful areas.
