EFFECT OF APITOX PHYTOGEL ON PAIN INTENSITY IN THE ELDERLY – A PILOT EVALUATION STUDY
Keywords:
Apitox Phytogel, bee venom, pain intensity, Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), older adults, musculoskeletal pain, geriatric rehabilitation, topical applicationAbstract
Chronic musculoskeletal pain is one of the most common health problems among older adults and has a significant impact on functional ability, mobility, and quality of life. Topical preparations containing bee venom have emerged as a potential adjunctive therapy due to their analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Apitox Phytogel on pain intensity in residents of a long-term care institution.
A prospective pilot evaluation study was conducted at the Public Institution for Accommodation of Adults with Disabilities and Older Persons "Podgorica". Nine treatment evaluations involving older adults with various musculoskeletal disorders were included. Pain intensity was assessed using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS; 0–10) before Apitox Phytogel application, 30 minutes after application, 60 minutes after application, and on the following day. Diagnosis, pain location, participants' subjective assessment, and adverse reactions were also recorded.
The mean VAS score decreased from 8.11 before treatment to 5.11 after 30 minutes, 3.67 after 60 minutes, and 2.44 on the following day. Pain reduction was observed in all treatment evaluations, while complete pain relief within 30 minutes was achieved in two participants. The greatest improvement was observed in participants with degenerative spinal disorders and painful shoulder syndrome. No serious adverse reactions were reported, and participants most frequently described a sensation of warmth, muscle relaxation, and improved mobility of the affected body region.
The findings of this pilot study suggest that the application of Apitox Phytogel was associated with a marked short-term reduction in pain intensity and was well tolerated by older adults. Although the small sample size and the absence of a control group limit definitive conclusions, these preliminary findings support the need for larger randomized controlled trials to further evaluate the efficacy and safety of Apitox Phytogel in the management of musculoskeletal pain in older adults.
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