Study designs of evaluations included in the review
Studies of any design were included in the review (randomised controlled trials (RCTs), comparative studies with non-randomised contemporaneous controls, and non-comparative studies).
Specific interventions included in the review
Interventions for the treatment of pain including attention, verbal praise to facilitate exercising, viewing humourous movies, and a relaxation training programme.
Participants included in the review
Elderly patients in nursing homes or other long-term care institutions.
Outcomes assessed in the review
The measurement of pain using:
1. Number of pain medications prescribed "as required".
2. Number of pain-related behaviours.
3. Number of activities.
4. McGill Pain Questionnaire.
5. A 5-point visual analogue scale.
How were decisions on the relevance of primary studies made?
Two individuals with research background but no expertise in the treatment of pain or involvement in the clinical care of older adults independently reviewed each of the eligible studies for inclusion. Papers were masked to conceal the authors' names and affiliations, publication year, and journal.