Management Of Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain Research Articles

Development and validation of the Italian version of the pain attitudes and beliefs scale-musculoskeletal (PABS-MSK) among physiotherapists working with patients with musculoskeletal chronic pain

BackgroundDue to their high prevalence, long-term disability, work absenteeism, and low productivity capacity they often lead to, nociplastic and chronic pain are a major public health and social concern. Although high-level literature recommends the Biopsychosocial model, the traditional Biomedical approach is still very diffuse in clinical practise. It is recognized that the beliefs and attitudes of clinicians have an impact on those of patients. The Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) was used to validate the Italian version of the PABS-MSK questionnaire. ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to translate the original PABS-MSK items into Italian and then assess the construct validity of the new Italian version of the PABS-MSK questionnaire, addressed to physiotherapists, to gain knowledge about physiotherapists’ attitudes and beliefs toward the management of chronic musculoskeletal pain and to correlate them with individual characteristics. MethodsAn EFA was performed to validate the modified-Italian-PABS-MSK questionnaire. Furthermore, multivariable regression models were implemented to assess any statistically significant differences in the total score of the two dimensions for sociodemographic and occupational characteristics. ResultsThe sample consisted of 563 subjects who are members of the order of physiotherapists.The Parallel Analysis suggested extracting two factors, and the EFA showed that the first scale (which we called Biopsychosocial) had higher factor loadings values, while two items (7 and 19) did not adequately represent the other scale (Biomedical).Moreover, the regression models showed that younger and freelance clinicians are more prone to adhere to the Biopsychosocial model. ConclusionsThe modified-Italian-PABS-MSK questionnaire appears to measure two factors related to the Biopsychosocial and Biomedical beliefs of physiotherapists in the management of chronic musculoskeletal pain. The results suggest that professional training based on the evidence and recommendations of international guidelines is necessary to improve the adherence of physiotherapists to the Biopsychosocial model. However, additional studies are needed to further validate the scales, and assess the test-retest reliability, responsiveness, and construct validity.

Understanding the epidemiology and perceived efficacy of cannabis use in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain

BackgroundThe belief that cannabis has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties continues to attract patients with chronic musculoskeletal (MSK) pain towards its use. However, the role that cannabis will play in the management of chronic MSK pain remains to be determined. This study examined 1) the rate, patterns of use, and self-reported efficacy of cannabis use among patients with chronic MSK pain and 2) the interest and potential barriers to cannabis use among patients with chronic MSK pain not currently using cannabis.MethodsSelf-reported cannabis use and perceived efficacy were prospectively collected from chronic MSK pain patients presenting to the Orthopaedic Clinic at the University Health Network, Toronto, Canada. The primary dependent variable was current or past use of cannabis to manage chronic MSK pain; bivariate and multivariable logistic regression were used to identify patient characteristics independently associated with this outcome. Secondary outcomes were summarized descriptively, including self-perceived efficacy among cannabis users, and interest as well as barriers to cannabis use among cannabis non-users.ResultsThe sample included 629 patients presenting with chronic MSK pain (mean age: 56±15.7 years; 56% female). Overall, 144 (23%) reported past or present cannabis use to manage their MSK pain, with 63.7% perceiving cannabis as very or somewhat effective and 26.6% considering it as slightly effective. The strongest predictor of cannabis use in this study population was a history of recreational cannabis use (OR 12.7, p<0.001). Among cannabis non-users (N=489), 65% expressed interest in using cannabis to manage their chronic MSK pain, but common barriers to use included lack of knowledge regarding access, use and evidence, and stigma.ConclusionsOne in five patients presenting to an orthopaedic surgeon with chronic MSK pain are using or have used cannabis with the specific intent to manage their pain, and most report it to be effective. Among non-users, two-thirds reported an interest in using cannabis to manage their MSK pain, but common barriers to use existed. Future double-blind placebo-controlled trials are required to understand if this reported efficacy is accurate, and what role, if any, cannabis may play in the management of chronic MSK pain.

Role of Nutrition in the Management of Patients with Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain.

Chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP), defined as persistent discomfort in musculoskeletal tissues persisting for over 3 months, afflicts an estimated 1.71 billion people globally, leading to significant functional impairments and psychological distress, thereby detrimentally affecting individuals' quality of life. The objective of this narrative review is to elucidate the complex relationship among dietary habits, sarcopenia, and gut microbiota composition, with an eye toward enhancing patient management and outcomes. Given the burgeoning interest in the influence of diet on CMP, a detailed examination of the current literature is warranted. Nutritional intake is a critical determinant of the gut microbiota profile, which, in turn, is linked to musculature integrity and performance, potentially leading to sarcopenia. The development of sarcopenia can aggravate CMP owing to diminished muscular strength and functionality. Additionally, disruptions in the gut microbiota may directly modulate nociception, intensifying CMP manifestations. Thus, nutritional optimization emerges as a viable approach to CMP management. Emphasizing a diet conducive to a healthy gut microbiome could forestall or mitigate sarcopenia, thereby attenuating CMP intensity. Nevertheless, the domain calls for further empirical exploration to unravel the nuances of these interactions and to forge efficacious dietary strategies for individuals with CMP. Beyond mere analgesia, comprehensive patient care for CMP requires acknowledgment of the complex and multifactorial nature of pain and its foundational elements. Embracing an integrative treatment model allows healthcare practitioners to promise better patient prognoses, enriched life quality, and a decrease in the sustained healthcare costs associated with CMP.

Holistic management of chronic musculoskeletal pain among elderly patients: A primary care approach

Holistic management of chronic musculoskeletal pain among elderly patients: A primary care approach

E053 The use of online platforms in the treatment of chronic musculoskeletal disease

Abstract Background/Aims Persistent pain is a common feature of rheumatic diseases, and has a significant impact on the emotional, physical and social wellbeing of individuals. Despite pharmacological treatment for inflammatory arthritis, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 10-20% have features suggestive of co-existing centralised pain. These patients have worse pain, mood and sleep despite DMARD therapy. Similar to fibromyalgia (FM), non-pharmacological treatments are likely to be useful for this problem. Evidence supports cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for the management of chronic musculoskeletal pain. Unfortunately, access to services is poor for many people. This has driven the development of online treatment programmes and apps. The current study explores willingness of patients with rheumatic diseases to use online platforms in this context. Methods An observational cohort study of patients with a clinical diagnosis of either RA or FM were recruited from NHS outpatient clinics. Data collection was via the online platform Redcap. Analysis compared demographic and clinical features of those with past use of online platforms or apps for health purposes using Student’s t-test and chi squared tests. A similar comparison was conducted for future use of online platforms or apps. Results Of 343 patients 177(52%) FM, 166(48%) RA), 264 (77%) were female with mean (SD) age 48 (13.6). Past use of online platforms is summarised in Table 1. Significantly more patients with FM (70%) would be willing to try an online platform in future, compared to those with RA (30%). Those with future interest are more likely to be younger (mean age 46), have lower mood (mean PHQ-9 13), worse sleep (mean ISI 14.6) and less pain (mean VAS 6.6) compared to those who would not (mean age 60, PHQ-9 12, ISI 12.6 and VAS 7.0 respectively). Conclusion Those with FM are more likely to engage with online platforms or apps for health purposes than those with RA. In this analysis, users were more likely to be younger and experience more severe anxiety and depression but further work is needed to evaluate the contributing factors which will be essential when optimising the impact of online healthcare initiatives. Disclosure A.J.W. Wall: None. E. Kelleher: None. V. Wanigasekera: None. A. Irani (nee Soni): None.

Behavioral Mechanisms That Mediate Mental and Physical Health Improvements in People With Chronic Pain Who Receive a Digital Health Intervention: Prospective Cohort Pilot Study.

Preliminary evidence suggests that digital mental health intervention (Wysa for Chronic Pain) can improve mental and physical health in people with chronic musculoskeletal pain and coexisting symptoms of depression or anxiety. However, the behavioral mechanisms through which this intervention acts are not fully understood. The purpose of this study was to identify behavioral mechanisms that may mediate changes in mental and physical health associated with use of Wysa for Chronic Pain during orthopedic management of chronic musculoskeletal pain. We hypothesized that improved behavioral activation, pain acceptance, and sleep quality mediate improvements in self-reported mental and physical health. In this prospective cohort, pilot mediation analysis, adults with chronic (≥3 months) neck or back pain received the Wysa for Chronic Pain digital intervention, which uses a conversational agent and text-based access to human counselors to deliver cognitive behavioral therapy and related therapeutic content. Patient-reported outcomes and proposed mediators were collected at baseline and 1 month. The exposure of interest was participants' engagement (ie, total interactions) with the digital intervention. Proposed mediators were assessed using the Behavioral Activation for Depression Scale-Short Form, Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire, and Athens Insomnia Scale. Outcomes included Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Anxiety, Depression, Pain Interference, and Physical Function scores. A mediation analysis was conducted using the Baron and Kenny method, adjusting for age, sex, and baseline mediators and outcome values. P<.20 was considered significant for this pilot study. Among 30 patients (mean age 59, SD 14, years; 21 [70%] female), the mediation effect of behavioral activation on the relationship between increased intervention engagement and improved anxiety symptoms met predefined statistical significance thresholds (indirect effect -0.4, 80% CI -0.7 to -0.1; P=.13, 45% of the total effect). The direction of mediation effect was generally consistent with our hypothesis for all other proposed mediator or outcome relationships, as well. In a full-sized randomized controlled trial of patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain, behavioral activation, pain acceptance, and sleep quality may play an important role in mediating the relationship between use of a digital mental health intervention (Wysa for Chronic Pain) and improved mental and physical health. ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05194722; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05194722.

Perspectives on chronic musculoskeletal pain management among healthcare professionals in Bhutan: A qualitative study.

Musculoskeletal pain disorders continue to be one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. Best practice care recommends patient-centred biopsychosocial models of care. Little is known about the chronic musculoskeletal pain management in low- and middle-income countries. To explore the management of chronic musculoskeletal pain by healthcare professionals in Bhutan. This study employed a qualitative design involving 19 Bhutanese healthcare professionals managing chronic musculoskeletal pain in Bhutan. We collected data using a semi-structured interview guide. Thematic analysis was done manually. Healthcare professionals reported that patients rely on a combination of home remedies and seek help from local healers and hospitals for chronic musculoskeletal pain management. While healthcare professionals understand chronic musculoskeletal pain as multi-dimensional phenomenon, the primary focus was on identifying and treating structural anomalies. Time constraints, inadequate knowledge and skills, lack of confidence, facilities and expertise were reported as barriers to the effective management of chronic musculoskeletal pain. They proposed a need for clinical guidelines, relevant skills training and creating awareness of chronic musculoskeletal pain. The management of chronic musculoskeletal pain in Bhutan is focused on identifying and treating physical abnormalities. Healthcare professionals consider psychosocial dimensions important but lack any form of actionable interventions in this domain.

What matters to people with chronic musculoskeletal pain consulting general practice? Comparing research priorities across different sectors.

Chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) is a common condition, often consulted in general practice. Our previous study identified research priorities among people with CMP using a broad recruitment strategy. It is unclear whether these research priorities reflect specific settings, including the population in general practice. Potential dissimilarities may have important implications for future research. Therefore, the study aims to explore potential differences between the previously established research priorities compared to priorities of people with CMP consulting general practice. Eighty-eight people living with CMP (51 females/37 males) from four regions of Denmark were recruited when they consulted their general practitioner. Participants were presented to an online survey and asked to prioritise predefined research themes (n=14) and research questions (n=38). The prioritisations were summarised into a Top-10 research priorities and compared the Top-10 from our previous study. Treatment (n=57), diagnosis (n=46), cross-sectoral management (n=39) and influence on daily life (n=39) were the most selected research themes. The most prioritised research questions regarded the effectiveness of treatments and cross-sectoral management, improving diagnostic approaches and how pain affects the individuals' mental state. Four out of ten research questions aligned with our previous Top-10. Our study identified several differences in research priorities between people living with CMP from the general population and from general practice. These findings highlight the needs for investigating how different settings influence research prioritisation. This adds important knowledge for researchers and policymakers focusing on future research within the management of CMP.

Heat-stone massage for patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain: a protocol for multicenter randomized controlled trial.

Chronic musculoskeletal pain bothers the quality of life for approximately 1.71 billion people worldwide. Although pharmacological therapies play an important role in controlling chronic pain, overuse of opioids, persistent or recurrent symptoms, and pain-related disability burden still need to be addressed. Heat-stone massage is using the heated stone to stimulate muscles and ligaments followed by massage for relax, which can potentially treat the chronic musculoskeletal pain. To determine the efficacy and safety of heat-stone massage for patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain is needed. This multicenter, 2-arm, randomized, positive drug-controlled trial will include a total of 120 patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain. The intervention group will receive a 2 week heat-stone massage, 3 times per week, whereas the control group will receive the flurbiprofen plaster twice per day for 2 weeks. The primary end point is the change in Global Pain Scale from baseline to the end of the 2 week intervention. The secondary outcomes include the pain severity (Numerical Rating Scale), pain acceptance (Chronic Pain Acceptance Questionnaire), self-management (Health Education Impact Questionnaire), self-efficacy (Pain Self-Efficacy Questionnaire), anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), quality of life (Short Form-36). The intention-to-treat dataset will be used for analysis. The pain management remains the research topic that patients always pay close attention to. This will be the first randomized clinical trial to evaluate whether heat-stone massage, a non-pharmacological therapy, is effective in the chronic musculoskeletal pain management. The results will provide evidence for new option of daily practice. World Health Organization Chinese Clinical Trial Registry [ChiCTR2200065654; https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=185403]; International Traditional Medicine Clinical Trial Registry [ITMCTR2022000104; http://itmctr.ccebtcm.org.cn/en-US/Home/ProjectView?pid=51776b6f-77b8-4811-9b5a-a0fec10f2cee].

Has the COVID 19 Pandemic Impacted the Management of Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain?

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the management of chronic musculoskeletal pain; however, the extent of its impact has not been established. We conducted a comprehensive review of the pandemic's impact on clinical outcomes and healthcare accessibility for osteoarthritis (OA), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), fibromyalgia (FM), lower back pain (LBP), and other musculoskeletal disorders and chronic pain syndromes to better inform clinical decision-making. We examined 30 studies (n = 18,810) from 36 countries investigating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on chronic musculoskeletal pain outcomes. The available evidence suggests that the pandemic significantly impacted pain levels, mental health, quality of life and healthcare accessibility in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain. Of 30 studies, 25 (83%) reported symptom worsening, and 20 (67%) reported reduced healthcare accessibility. Patients were unable to access necessary care services during the pandemic, including orthopedic surgeries, medications, and complementary therapies, leading to worsened pain, psychological health, and quality of life. Across conditions, vulnerable patients reported high pain catastrophizing, psychological stress, and low physical activity related to social isolation. Notably, positive coping strategies, regular physical activity, and social support were associated with positive health outcomes. Most patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain had greatly affected pain severity, physical function, and quality of life during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moreover, the pandemic significantly impacted treatment accessibility, preventing necessary therapies. These findings support further prioritization of chronic musculoskeletal pain patient care.

Perceived barriers, facilitators and usefulness of a psychoeducational intervention for individuals with chronic musculoskeletal pain and depression in primary care.

Self-management interventions have the potential to improve patient' pain condition as they involve tasks aimed at managing symptoms and reducing interference with activities, mood and relationships due to pain. However, research on factors that facilitate or hinder pain self-management has overlooked patients with both chronic musculoskeletal pain and depression in primary care settings, also leaving unattended patient views on the usefulness of such programs. Thus, the main aim of this study was to gather meaningful information to help promoting adequate self-management. Specifically, it attempts to identify patients' perceptions of barriers and facilitators of group-based psychoeducational intervention and to explore its perceived usefulness in promoting self-management. This qualitative study explored perceived barriers and facilitators of a psychoeducational intervention for the management of chronic musculoskeletal pain and depression previously tested in a Randomized Control Trial. We conducted focus groups and individual interviews with fifteen adult patients with both chronic musculoskeletal pain and depression recruited from primary care centres in Tarragona province (Catalonia, Spain). A content thematic analysis was carried out to examine the data. This study followed the Consolidated Criteria for Reporting Qualitative Research (COREQ) guidelines. Findings revealed that perceived barriers included lack of motivation, time constraints, pain, depression, ineffectiveness of pain-relief strategies and activity avoidance. Facilitators were having a supportive family/friends, the positive effects of self-management, high motivation, being a proactive patient. Peer support and identification, the positive effect of sessions, and free expression were highlighted as key elements of the psychoeducational intervention. The psychoeducational intervention was perceived as useful in promoting self-management practices. Barriers and facilitators in using self-management strategies were related, mainly, to internal personal characteristics of the patients being similar among different cultural backgrounds and distinct chronic conditions. These findings can help to guide clinicians in the development and implementation of more effective pain self-management interventions for patients with chronic pain and depression by attending to their needs and preferences.

Clinical recommendations for chronic musculoskeletal pain in South African primary health care.

Chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMSP) is prevalent globally and places a significant burden on individuals, healthcare systems and economies. Contextually appropriate clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) on CMSP are advocated to translate evidence into practice. This study aimed to investigate the applicability and feasibility of evidence-based CPG recommendations for adults with CMSP in the primary health care (PHC) sector of South Africa (SA). The PHC sector in South Africa (SA). Consensus methodology was used, comprising two online Delphi rounds and a consensus meeting. A multidisciplinary panel of local healthcare professionals involved in CMSP management was purposefully sampled and invited to participate. The first Delphi survey considered 43 recommendations. In the consensus meeting, the results of the first Delphi round were discussed. The second Delphi round reconsidered the recommendations with no consensus. Seventeen experts participated in the first Delphi round, 13 in the consensus meeting and 14 in the second Delphi round. In Delphi round two, 40 recommendations were endorsed, three were not endorsed and an additional recommendation was added. A multidisciplinary panel endorsed 41 multimodal clinical recommendations as applicable and feasible for the PHC of adults with CMSP, in SA. Although certain recommendations were endorsed, they may not be readily implementable in SA because of context factors.Contribution: The study forms the basis of a model of care for contextually relevant PHC of CMSP. Future research should explore factors that could influence the uptake of the recommendations into practice to optimise chronic pain care in SA.

Implementation of an online pain science education for chronic musculoskeletal pain in Brazilian public health system: protocol for a hybrid type III randomised controlled trial with economic evaluation

BackgroundAlthough clinical practice guidelines recommend pain education as the first-line option for the management of chronic musculoskeletal pain, there is a lack of pain education programmes in healthcare. Thus, digital health programmes can be an effective tool for implementing pain education strategies for public health. This trial will aim to analyse the implementation and effectiveness outcomes of three online pain science education strategies in the Brazilian public health system (SUS) for individuals with chronic musculoskeletal pain.MethodsWe will conduct a hybrid type III effectiveness-implementation randomised controlled trial with economic evaluation. We will include adult individuals with chronic musculoskeletal pain, recruited from primary healthcare in the city of Guarapuava, Brazil. Individuals will be randomised to three implementation groups receiving a pain science education intervention (EducaDor) but delivered in different modalities: group 1) synchronous online; group 2) asynchronous videos; and group 3) interactive e-book only. Implementation outcomes will include acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility, adoption, fidelity, penetration, sustainability, and costs. We will also assess effectiveness outcomes, such as pain, function, quality of life, sleep, self-efficacy, and adverse effects. Cost-effectiveness and cost-utility analyses will be conducted from the SUS and societal perspectives. The evaluations will be done at baseline, post-intervention (10 weeks), and 6 months.DiscussionThis study will develop and implement a collaborative intervention model involving primary healthcare professionals, secondary-level healthcare providers, and patients to enhance self-management of chronic pain. In addition to promoting better pain management, this study will also contribute to the field of implementation science in public health by generating important insights and recommendations for future interventions.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05302180; 03/29/2022).

Protocol based pain management by Ayurveda parasurgical procedures W.S.R to musculoskeletal pain and its critical appraisal – An open labeled clinical trial

BackgroundPain has globally become an attention problem which causes discomfort by affecting the body as well as the mind. The International association of pain estimated that 1 in 5 patients experiences the pain, i.e. 30% of world population. 19.3% (180–200 million) of the total population in India suffer from chronic pain and its severity appeals early approach of patients to hospitals. Ayurveda being the oldest medical science emphasized its importance and treatment of pain with both pharmacological and non-pharmacological (Parasurgical) methods. ObjectiveTo evaluate the efficacy of non-pharmacological (para surgical) procedures in the management of pain. Materials and methodTotal 100 patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain fulfilling the inclusion criteria were recruited by assessing the site, severity and nature of pain. A special protocol was framed by incorporating Ayurveda treatment principles by using Para surgical procedures such as Agnikarma (Therapeutic burn), Jalauka (leech therapy), Alabu (Cupping therapy) and Siravyadha (Vein puncture). The parameters like VAS and VDS pertaining to pain were assessed from baseline and at various time points. Statistical analysis was performed by using Wilcoxon match paired test to assess the results. ResultsThe VAS and VDS scale were used to assess the efficacy of para-surgical procedures which was found to be significant (p < 0.0001) from baseline and at various time points. ConclusionProtocol based pain management by various para surgical procedures was found effective in the management of chronic musculoskeletal pain. The ambiguity in selection of proper parasurgical procedure for pain management is justified by following the protocol.

Exploring patient perceptions of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation as a treatment for chronic musculoskeletal pain: a qualitative study

ObjectiveRepetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), a form of non-invasive brain stimulation, is a novel avenue for the management of chronic musculoskeletal pain. Despite evidence for the effectiveness of rTMS in...

What Is New in Classification, Diagnosis and Management of Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: A Narrative Review.

Chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) is the most common type of chronic pain, defined as persistent or recurrent pain condition deriving from musculoskeletal structures such as muscles, joints or bones that lasts for more than 3 months. CMP is multifactorial and severely affects people's quality of life. CMP may be influenced by a number of factors, including contextual factors, the presence of comorbidities, arthritis coping efficacy and access to CMP care. To deepen the comprehensive understanding of CMP, this narrative review provides the latest literature on disease classification, clinical diagnosis, treatment and basic research. In terms of the classification of the disease, here we introduce the 11th edition of the International Classification of Diseases (IDC-11), in which CMP is divided into chronic primary musculoskeletal pain and chronic secondary musculoskeletal pain. In the clinical diagnosis section, the progress of central sensitization in the diagnosis of CMP will also be summarized. In addition, we summarize some recent advances in clinical treatment and basic research.

HAS THE COVID 19 PANDEMIC IMPACTED THE MANAGEMENT OF CHRONIC MUSCULOSKELETAL PAIN?

Purpose: The management of the patients with chronic conditions such as musculoskeletal pain can be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the impact of COVID-19 pandemic in the management of pain has not been clearly delineated. We conducted a descriptive review of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on chronic musculoskeletal pain management and healthcare system accessibility during 2020-2021 to better inform clinical decision-making.

Implementation of Online Behavior Modification Techniques in the Management of Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

Purpose: The main aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis (MA) was to assess the effectiveness of online behavior modification techniques (e-BMT) in the management of chronic musculoskeletal pain. Methods: We conducted a search of Medline (PubMed), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Web of Science, APA PsychInfo, and Psychological and Behavioral Collections, from inception to the 30 August 2021. The main outcome measures were pain intensity, pain interference, kinesiophobia, pain catastrophizing and self-efficacy. The statistical analysis was conducted using RStudio software. To compare the outcomes reported by the studies, we calculated the standardized mean difference (SMD) over time and the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI) for the continuous variables. Results: Regarding pain intensity (vs. usual care/waiting list), we found a statistically significant trivial effect size in favor of e-BMT (n = 5337; SMD = −0.17; 95% CI −0.26, −0.09). With regard to pain intensity (vs. in-person BMT) we found a statistically significant small effect size in favor of in-person BMT (n = 486; SMD = 0.21; 95%CI 0.15, 0.27). With respect to pain interference (vs. usual care/waiting list) a statistically significant small effect size of e-BMT was found (n = 1642; SMD = −0.24; 95%CI −0.44, −0.05). Finally, the same results were found in kinesiophobia, catastrophizing, and self-efficacy (vs. usual care/waiting list) where we found a statistically significant small effect size in favor of e-BMT. Conclusions: e-BMT seems to be an effective option for the management of patients with musculoskeletal conditions although it does not appear superior to in-person BMT in terms of improving pain intensity.

The role of pain neuroscience education in the management of chronic musculoskeletal pain: a physiotherapeutic approach

The role of pain neuroscience education in the management of chronic musculoskeletal pain: a physiotherapeutic approach

The Use of Botulinum Toxin A as an Adjunctive Therapy in the Management of Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

Several studies have investigated the effect of botulinum toxin A (BoNT-A) for managing chronic musculoskeletal pain, bringing contrasting results to the forefront. Thus far, however, there has been no synthesis of evidence on the effect of BoNT-A as an adjunctive treatment within a multimodal approach. Hence, Medline via PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Library-CENTRAL were searched until November 2020 for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the use of BoNT-A as an adjunctive therapy for chronic musculoskeletal pain. The risk of bias (RoB) and the overall quality of the studies were assessed through RoB 2.0 and the GRADE approach, respectively. Meta-analysis was conducted to analyse the pooled results of the six included RCTs. Four were at a low RoB, while two were at a high RoB. The meta-analysis showed that BoNT-A as an adjunctive therapy did not significantly decrease pain compared to the sole use of traditional treatment (SDM −0.89; 95% CI −1.91; 0.12; p = 0.08). Caution should be used when interpreting such results, since the studies displayed very high heterogeneity (I = 94%, p < 0.001). The overall certainty of the evidence was very low. The data retrieved from this systematic review do not support the use of BoNT-A as an adjunctive therapy in treating chronic musculoskeletal pain.