This project will use novel methods to detect clinically meaningful subgroups of older adults based on long-term trajectories of bothersome pain and function. It will then identify older adults at high risk of experiencing poor long-term pain and function. Anticipated results will provide new insights into long-term patterns of pain and function across the aging process and identify potential predictors of each trajectory.
The long-term goal of this planned line of research is to reduce the burden of pain and maximize function in older adults as they age. This line of research will begin by completing the following Aims: Aim 1) Identify and describe clinically meaningful long-term trajectories of bothersome pain and functional decline in a population-based sample of older adults and Aim 2) Estimate the association between candidate prognostic factors typically available in electronic health records and long-term bothersome pain and function trajectories to inform the development of eventual risk prediction models. This will be a retrospective cohort study using longitudinal data from the population-based National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS). This project will use novel methods to identify clinically meaningful subgroups of older adults based on long-term trajectories of bothersome pain and function. Group-based trajectory modeling (GBTM) is a novel method to model dynamic phenomena such as pain and function. Older adults at high risk of experiencing poor long-term pain and function outcomes will be identified by leveraging potential prognostic factors typically available in electronic health records or administrative data. It is anticipated that our results will provide new insights into long-term patterns of pain and function across the aging process and identify potential predictors of each trajectory.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
6,783
University of Washington
Seattle, Washington, United States
Bothersome Pain
Question: "In the last month, have you been bothered by pain?" Dichotomous response of yes or no
Time frame: 6 years
Physical Performance
Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB). Scored from 0=worst to 12=best based on 3 performance tests: walking, chairs stands, and balance tasks
Time frame: 6 years
Activity Limitations Due to Pain
Question: "In the last month, has pain ever limited your activities?" Dichotomous response of yes or no
Time frame: 6 years
Functional Capacity
Self-reported physical capacity. A composite score of self-reported ability to do six pairs of activities: walking 3 or 6 blocks independently, climbing 10 or 20 stairs, lifting and carrying 10 or 20 pounds, bending over or kneeling down, reaching overhead or placing a heavy object overhead, and grasping small objects or opening a jar. Scores range 0-12 with higher scores indicating greater capacity to perform these activities.
Time frame: 6 years
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