Abstract
Background. Chronic primary musculoskeletal pain (CPMP) is a major health problem that has physical and psychological impacts as well as an associated economic burden. Currently, pharmacological treatment remains unsatisfactory because of side effects and potential misuse. Therefore, nonpharmacological approaches for pain are being actively explored, and Tai Chi has attracted increased attention as a therapy for pain. Although clinical trials have shown that Tai Chi may be effective in treating CPMP, no systematic review has clarified its effectiveness and safety. The objective of this systematic review is to assess the effect and safety of Tai Chi for patients suffering from CPMP. Methods and Analysis. We will search relevant electronic databases from inception to May 31, 2021: PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, the Wanfang database, the Chongqing VIP database, and China Biology Medicine Disc. Studies comparing the use of Tai Chi with other managements for CPMP patients will be included. Our review will include studies that measured change in pain intensity as the primary outcome using patient-reported ratings (visual analog scale or numerical rating scale). Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale scores, SF-36 Health Survey scores, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index scores, and adverse effects will be explored as secondary outcomes. The risk of bias and the reporting quality of included studies will be evaluated using the Cochrane Collaboration risk-of-bias assessment method. The data will be analyzed using RevMan v5.3 software. Study Registration. This study protocol was registered on PROSPERO. The registration number for this protocol is CRD42020165048.
Highlights
Chronic primary musculoskeletal pain (CPMP), including chronic primary neck pain, chronic primary thoracic pain, chronic primary low back pain, and chronic primary limb pain, is the most common chronic pain and represents considerable global health and socioeconomic burden [1, 2]
Treatment for CPMP remains unsatisfactory despite a significant increase in the number of clinical randomized controlled trials (RCTs) focused on CPMP
It has been noted that, as a therapy for CPMP, Tai Chi has the advantages of few side effects, low cost, and that it can be widely used by the general population
Summary
Chronic primary musculoskeletal pain (CPMP), including chronic primary neck pain, chronic primary thoracic pain, chronic primary low back pain, and chronic primary limb pain, is the most common chronic pain and represents considerable global health and socioeconomic burden [1, 2]. Patients with chronic pain generally suffer progressive autonomic symptoms, such as mental stress, anxiety, and sleep disorders [4]. Leading to physical dysfunction, CPMP induces prolonged sleep deprivation and negative emotions such as anxiety and depression, which in turn exacerbate the susceptivity to pain and decline in the quality of life [6,7,8]. Chronic primary musculoskeletal pain (CPMP) is a major health problem that has physical and psychological impacts as well as an associated economic burden. E objective of this systematic review is to assess the effect and safety of Tai Chi for patients suffering from CPMP. Studies comparing the use of Tai Chi with other managements for CPMP patients will be included. Our review will include studies that measured change in pain intensity as the primary outcome using patient-reported ratings (visual analog scale or numerical rating scale). Study Registration. is study protocol was registered on PROSPERO. e registration number for this protocol is CRD42020165048
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