Reminiscence About Physical Activity: A Pilot Study to Reduce Pain in Older Adults

The aim of the current randomized attention control pilot study was to conduct a preliminary test of a facilitated reminiscence intervention about past physical activity for the effect on increased physical activity and reduced pain in older adults with osteoarthritis. Thirteen older adults were randomized to the facilitated reminiscence or health education group and participated in six individual sessions over 6 weeks. Reminiscence functions, self-reported physical activity, pain intensity, and pain interference with function were measured at baseline and 1 and 3 months postintervention. Facilitated reminiscence did not result in increased physical activity, but instead resulted in increased pain intensity. Content analysis of reminiscence session transcripts indicated most reminiscence was conversational. Benefits from reminiscence included reconnecting with estranged family and distraction from pain. Past physical activities might be helpful to include as part of a program of facilitated integrated reminiscence for individuals with sufficient history of past physical activity. [Res Gerontol Nurs. 2019; 12(4):193-202.].