Association between pain expansion, physical activity, strength, motor problems and frailty risk in middle-aged and older European people: A cross-sectional study

Abstract

Introduction: Widespread or all over pain (AOP) can affect daily life by reducing functional capacity and fitness, and increases motor difficulties (MD), frailty and dependence more severely than localized pain. Physical activity (PA) may be related to hand grip strength (HGS), MD and frailty in people with AOP.

Material and methods: This cross-sectional study, based on data from the SHARE Wave 9 survey 2021-22, in middle-aged and older European people with pain had as objectives: 1) To analyse the relationships between pain type (localized vs all over), HGS, MD and frailty; 2) To assess the associations between PA and HGS, MD and frailty in people with AOP; 3) To analyse risk factors for MD and frailty in people with AOP.

Results: People with AOP presented the highest prevalence of weak HGS, MD and frailty. In people with AOP, PA was found to be related to HGS, MD and frailty. Physical inactivity was related to weak HGS and higher prevalences of MD and frailty. Physical inactivity was presented as a risk factor for MD and frailty.

Conclusions: Type of pain affects HGS, MD and frailty. AOP is associated with lower HGS, greater MD and frailty. People with AOP who perform PA have higher HGS and lower MD and frailty. Physical inactivity is a significant risk factor for MD and frailty in people with AOP. These findings provide insight into the relationship between pain expansion, HGS, MD and frailty in people with pain. These findings could help new hypotheses and new care programs to address prevention and intervention in people with AOP.