Mind–Body Therapies for the Self-Management of Chronic Pain Symptoms

Evaluating the effectiveness of neurofeedback in chronic pain management: a narrative review

The prevalence and impact of chronic pain in individuals worldwide necessitate effective management strategies. This narrative review specifically aims to assess the effectiveness of neurofeedback, an emerging non-pharmacological intervention, on the management of chronic pain. The methodology adopted for this review involves a meticulous search across various scientific databases. The search was designed to capture a broad range of studies related to neurofeedback and chronic pain management. To ensure the quality and relevance of the included studies, strict inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. These criteria focused on the study design, population, intervention type, and reported outcomes. The review synthesizes the findings from a diverse array of studies, including randomized controlled trials, observational studies, and case reports. Key aspects evaluated include the types of neurofeedback used (such as EEG biofeedback), the various chronic pain conditions addressed (like fibromyalgia, neuropathic pain, and migraines), and the methodologies employed in these studies. The review highlights the underlying mechanisms by which neurofeedback may influence pain perception and management, exploring theories related to neural plasticity, pain modulation, and psychological factors. The results of the review reveal a positive correlation between neurofeedback interventions and improved pain management. Several studies report significant reductions on pain intensity, improved quality of life, and decreased reliance on medication following neurofeedback therapy. The review also notes variations in the effectiveness of different neurofeedback protocols and individual responses to treatment. Despite the promising results, the conclusion of the review emphasizes the need for further research. It calls for larger, well-designed clinical trials to validate the findings, to understand the long-term implications of neurofeedback therapy, and to optimize treatment protocols for individual patients.

Efficacy of chronic neck pain self-treatment using press needles: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Background

Chronic neck pain is common among Japanese individuals, but few receive treatment. This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate the efficacy of acupuncture using press needles in the self-treatment of chronic neck pain and preliminarily identify the characteristics of patients likely to benefit from this treatment.

Methods

Fifty participants with chronic neck pain were allocated to receive either press needle or placebo treatment for 3 weeks. The visual analogue scale (VAS) and motion-related VAS (M-VAS) scores for neck pain, Neck Disability Index score, and pressure pain threshold were measured at baseline, after the first session, at the end of the last session, and 1 week after the last session. Changes in the outcomes were analyzed using analysis of variance, and the relationships between the variables were evaluated using structural equation modeling.

Results

Intervention results as assessed by VAS score revealed no significant differences in the ANOVA. A between-groups comparison of M-VAS scores at the end of the last session and baseline showed a significant difference (press needle: -21.64 ± 4.47, placebo: -8.09 ± 3.81, p = 0.025, d = -0.65). Structural equation modeling revealed a significant pain-reducing effect of press needle treatment (β = -0.228, p = 0.049). Severity directly affected efficacy (β = -0.881, p < 0.001). Pain duration, baseline VAS and Neck Disability Index scores were variables explaining severity, while age and occupational computer use were factors affecting severity.

Conclusion

Self-treatment with press needles for chronic neck pain did not significantly reduce the VAS score compared to placebo but reduced the motion-related pain as assessed by M-VAS score. A direct association was observed between pain severity and the effectiveness of press needles, and the impact of age and computer were indirectly linked by pain severity.

Clinical Trial Registration

Identifier UMIN-CTR, UMIN000044078.

Does Osteopathic Heart-Focused Palpation Modify Heart Rate Variability in Stressed Participants with Musculoskeletal Pain? A Randomised Controlled Pilot Study

Heart rate variability (HRV) describes fluctuations in time intervals between heartbeats and reflects autonomic activity. HRV is reduced in stressed patients with musculoskeletal pain and improved after osteopathic manipulative treatment and mind-body interventions. Heart-focused palpation (HFP) combines manual and mind-body approaches to facilitate relaxation. This randomised controlled pilot study investigated the feasibility and sample size for a future randomised controlled trial and the effect of a single treatment with HFP or sham HFP (SHAM) on short-term HRV. A total of Thirty-three adults (47.7 ± 13.5 years old) with stress and musculoskeletal pain completed the trial with acceptable rates of recruitment (8.25 subjects per site/month), retention (100%), adherence (100%), and adverse events (0%). HFP (n = 18), but not SHAM (n = 15), significantly increased the root mean square of successive RR interval differences (p = 0.036), standard deviation of the NN intervals (p = 0.009), and ratio of the low-frequency to high-frequency power band (p = 0.026). HFP and SHAM significantly decreased the heart rate (p < 0.001, p = 0.009) but not the stress index and ratio of the Poincaré plot standard deviation along and perpendicular to the line of identity (p > 0.05). A power analysis calculated 72 participants. Taken together, the study was feasible and HFP improved HRV in stressed subjects with musculoskeletal pain, suggesting a parasympathetic effect.

Protocol for a Parallel Group Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing a Culturally Adapted Cognitive Behavioral Telerehabilitation Intervention to Usual Physical Therapy for Latino Patients With Chronic Spine Pain

OBJECTIVE

Disparities exist in health care access, diagnosis, and treatment of chronic pain in Latino populations and other minority populations. Cognitive behavioral-based physical therapy (CBPT) interventions have been shown to be effective in predominantly non-Hispanic white populations with chronic spine pain. However, there is a need for culturally adapted CBPT interventions that focus on the conservative management of chronic spine pain. The primary purpose of the study described in this protocol is to test the efficacy of an adapted cognitive behavioral-based hybrid telerehabilitation intervention for Latino patients with chronic spine pain.

METHODS

A single-blind, 2-arm parallel group, superiority randomized clinical trial is planned to compare an adapted CBPT intervention to Usual Care physical therapy. Goal Oriented Activity for Latinos with chronic Spine pain (GOALS/Metas) is an 8-week hybrid telerehabilitation intervention that integrates guideline-based physical therapy and pain management interventions using cognitive behavioral approaches and has been adapted for Latino patients with chronic spine pain. Usual Care physical therapy will be administered based on institutional standards at the referring health center. Outcome measures will be evaluated preintervention and at 1-week, 3-months, and 6-months postintervention. The primary outcome is pain-related disability 1-week postintervention using the Brief Pain Inventory Pain Interference subscale. Secondary outcome measures include behavioral measures of functional activity, social participation, physical activity, and sleep. Determinants of treatment effect, including pain-related psychological measures, posture and movement, self-efficacy, treatment expectancy, and therapeutic alliance, will be included in the secondary moderation and mediation analyses.

IMPACT

This clinical trial will provide information on the extent to which an adapted CBPT hybrid telerehabilitation intervention is effective in reducing pain-related disability for Latino patients with chronic spine pain. This information will be useful for clinicians to integrate in their practice, given the growing population of Latino patients who experience disparities in health care management of chronic pain.

How Does Meditation-Based Lifestyle Modification Affect Pain Intensity, Pain Self-Efficacy, and Quality of Life in Chronic Pain Patients? An Experimental Single-Case Study

INTRODUCTION

Chronic pain is a growing worldwide health problem and complementary and integrative therapy options are becoming increasingly important. Multi-component yoga interventions represent such an integrative therapy approach with a promising body of evidence.

METHODS

The present study employed an experimental single-case multiple-baseline design. It investigated the effects of an 8-week yoga-based mind-body intervention, Meditation-Based Lifestyle Modification (MBLM), in the treatment of chronic pain. The main outcomes were pain intensity (BPI-sf), quality of life (WHO-5), and pain self-efficacy (PSEQ).

RESULTS

Twenty-two patients with chronic pain (back pain, fibromyalgia, or migraines) participated in the study and 17 women completed the intervention. MBLM proved to be an effective intervention for a large proportion of the participants. The largest effects were found for pain self-efficacy (TAU-U = 0.35), followed by average pain intensity (TAU-U = 0.21), quality of life (TAU-U = 0.23), and most severe pain (TAU-U = 0.14). However, the participants varied in their responses to the treatment.

CONCLUSION

The present results point to relevant clinical effects of MBLM for the multifactorial conditions of chronic pain. Future controlled clinical studies should investigate its usefulness and safety with larger samples. The ethical and philosophical aspects of yoga should be further explored to verify their therapeutic utility.

Body image and perception among adults with and without phantom limb pain

BACKGROUND

Following lower-limb amputation, phantom limb pain (i.e., pain perceived as coming from the amputated portion of the limb) is common. Phantom limb pain may be associated with impaired body image and perception, which may be targets for rehabilitative intervention.

OBJECTIVE

To compare measures of body image and perception between adults with and without phantom limb pain post amputation and evaluate associations between measures of body image and perception and phantom limb pain.

DESIGN

Survey.

SETTING

Online, remote assessment.

PARTICIPANTS

Seventy-two adults ≥1 year post unilateral lower-limb loss (n = 42 with phantom limb pain, n = 30 without phantom limb pain or pain in the remaining portion of the limb).

INTERVENTIONS

Not applicable.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Self-reported outcome measures assessing body image (i.e., Amputee Body Image Scale-Revised), perceptual disturbances associated with the phantom limb (i.e., a modified Bath Complex Regional Pain Syndrome Body Perception Disturbance Scale), and prosthesis satisfaction (i.e., Trinity Amputation and Prosthesis Experience Scale) were administered; participants with phantom limb pain reported pain interference via the Brief Pain Inventory-Short Form. Between-group comparisons of self-reported outcome measure scores were conducted using Mann Whitney U or chi-square tests, as appropriate (a = .05).

RESULTS

Compared to peers without phantom limb pain, adults with phantom limb pain reported more negative body image; increased phantom limb ownership, attention, and awareness; and reduced prosthesis satisfaction and embodiment (U = 175.50-364.00, p < .001 to .034). Disturbances in phantom limb perception (i.e., size, weight, pressure, temperature) were similar between groups (p = .086 to >.999). More negative body image was associated with increased phantom limb pain interference (τb  = .25, p = .026).

CONCLUSIONS

Adults with phantom limb pain demonstrate more negative body image and hypervigilance of the phantom limb as compared to peers with nonpainful phantom sensations. Mind-body treatments that target impaired body image and perception may be critical interventions for adults with phantom limb pain.

Conscious connected breathing with breath retention intervention in adults with chronic low back pain: protocol for a randomized controlled pilot study

BACKGROUND

Chronic pain is a major source of human suffering, and chronic low back pain (cLBP) is among the most prevalent, costly, and disabling of pain conditions. Due to the significant personal and societal burden and the complex and recurring nature of cLBP, self-management approaches that can be practiced at home are highly relevant to develop and test. The respiratory system is one of the most integrated systems of the body, and breathing is bidirectionally related with stress, emotion, and pain. Thus, the widespread physiological and psychological impact of breathing practices and breathwork interventions hold substantial promise as possible self-management strategies for chronic pain. The primary aim of the current randomized pilot study is to test the feasibility and acceptability of a conscious connected breathing with breath retention intervention compared to a sham control condition.

METHODS

The rationale and procedures for testing a 5-day conscious connected breathing with breath retention intervention, compared to a deep breathing sham control intervention, in 24 adults (18-65 years) with cLBP is described. Both interventions will be delivered using standardized audio recordings and practiced over 5 days (two times in-person and three times at-home), and both are described as Breathing and Attention Training to reduce possible expectancy and placebo effects common in pain research. The primary outcomes for this study are feasibility and acceptability. Feasibility will be evaluated by determining rates of participant recruitment, adherence, retention, and study assessment completion, and acceptability will be evaluated by assessing participants' satisfaction and helpfulness of the intervention. We will also measure other clinical pain, psychological, behavioral, and physiological variables that are planned to be included in a follow-up randomized controlled trial.

DISCUSSION

This will be the first study to examine the effects of a conscious connected breathing with breath retention intervention for individuals with chronic pain. The successful completion of this smaller-scale pilot study will provide data regarding the feasibility and acceptability to conduct a subsequent trial testing the efficacy of this breathing self-management practice for adults with cLBP.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov, identifier NCT04740710 . Registered on 5 February 2021.

Effects of Mind-Body Training as a Mental Health Therapy in Adults with Diabetes Mellitus Type II: A Systematic Review

The increase in the prevalence and disease burden of diabetes has highlighted the need to strengthen a comprehensive care system that includes mental health treatment. A systematic review was carried out to analyze the effectiveness of mind-body training as a therapy for the mental health management of adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Pubmed, Scopus and Web of Science databases were consulted between November and December 2022. Eight articles were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Only randomized controlled trials were included. The interventions focused on mindfulness and yoga with variable durations of between 8 weeks and 6 months. Four of the included studies observed statistically significant changes (p < 0.05) in anxiety. Six articles determined that mind-body training was effective for treating depression. Finally, five articles found favorable effects on stress, while one did not observe changes at 8 weeks of intervention or after 1 year of follow-up. The evidence supports the use of mind-body training to reduce stress, depression, and anxiety levels in the adult population with T2DM, which makes this type of training a valuable intervention to be included in an integral approach to diabetic pathology.

"Self-Healing": A Novel and Integrated Multimodal Concept for the Management of Musculoskeletal Pain

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, particularly low back pain and osteoarthritis, are a leading cause of disability worldwide. The number of people with MSK conditions is set to increase over the coming decades highlighting the need for better tools for both patients and medical practitioners. A recent paper by McSwan, Gudin and co-authors introduces the concept of the innate ability of the body to "self-heal" through five body networks, whilst being optimized by integrative multi-modal medicine and natural remedies ranging from the physical to psychological, that are starting to be incorporated into clinical management and treatment guidelines.

CONCLUSION

"Self-Healing" is a new concept for MSK pain management and reinforces the potential for integrating multi-modal medicine into current care through open dialogue between patients and healthcare providers.

Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Acupuncture in Chronic Low Back Pain: Protocol for Two Linked Randomized Controlled Trials

BACKGROUND

Nonpharmacologic mind-body therapies have demonstrated efficacy in low back pain. However, the mechanisms underlying these therapies remain to be fully elucidated.

OBJECTIVE

In response to these knowledge gaps, the Stanford Center for Low Back Pain-a collaborative, National Institutes of Health P01-funded, multidisciplinary research center-was established to investigate the common and distinct biobehavioral mechanisms of three mind-body therapies for chronic low back pain: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that is used to treat pain, mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), and electroacupuncture. Here, we describe the design and implementation of the center structure and the associated randomized controlled trials for characterizing the mechanisms of chronic low back pain treatments.

METHODS

The multidisciplinary center is running two randomized controlled trials that share common resources for recruitment, enrollment, study execution, and data acquisition. We expect to recruit over 300 chronic low back pain participants across two projects and across different treatment arms within each project. The first project will examine pain-CBT compared with MBSR and a wait-list control group. The second project will examine real versus sham electroacupuncture. We will use behavioral, psychophysical, physical measure, and neuroimaging techniques to characterize the central pain modulatory and emotion regulatory systems in chronic low back pain at baseline and longitudinally. We will characterize how these interventions impact these systems, characterize the longitudinal treatment effects, and identify predictors of treatment efficacy.

RESULTS

Participant recruitment began on March 17, 2015, and will end in March 2023. Recruitment was halted in March 2020 due to COVID-19 and resumed in December 2021.

CONCLUSIONS

This center uses a comprehensive approach to study chronic low back pain. Findings are expected to significantly advance our understanding in (1) the baseline and longitudinal mechanisms of chronic low back pain, (2) the common and distinctive mechanisms of three mind-body therapies, and (3) predictors of treatment response, thereby informing future delivery of nonpharmacologic chronic low back pain treatments.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02503475; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02503475.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT IDENTIFIER (IRRID)

PRR1-10.2196/37823.

The Effects of Meditation with Stabilization Exercise in Marine Region on Pain, Tactile Sense, Muscle Characteristics and Strength, Balance, Quality of Life, and Depression in Female Family Caregivers of People with Severe Physical Disabilities: A Randomized Single-Blinded Controlled Pilot Study

Female caregivers of people with disabilities are burdened physically and mentally. To improve these symptoms, an intervention that is easy to apply and has fewer side effects, such as natural healing, has been proposed, but the effect of healing using marine resources is unclear until now. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of meditation accompanied with stabilization exercise in the marine region on the improvement of pain, tactile sense, muscle characteristics, muscle strength, balance, quality of life, and depression in female caregivers of people with severe physical disabilities. Twenty-four female family caregivers were recruited and were randomly assigned to the marine therapy group (MTG, n = 12) and the control group (CG, n = 12). Both groups performed the same meditation (35 min) and stabilization exercise (25 min) twice a day for 3 nights and 4 days per session (total 8 sessions). The MTG performed these in the marine region, whereas the CG performed the interventions in the urban region. Pain (pain intensity and pain pressure threshold), tactile sense (tactile spatial acuity), muscle characteristics (stiffness, elasticity), muscle strength (hand and pinch grip strength), balance, quality of life, and depression were measured before and after the intervention and 4 weeks after the intervention. Both groups showed significant improvements in pain intensity (resting pain: f(2) = 72.719, p < 0.001; movement pain: f(2) = 24.952, p < 0.001), muscle strength (right pinch grip: f(2) = 15.265, p < 0.001), and depression (f(2) = 13.312, p < 0.001), while tactile spatial acuity (TSA) (upper part: f(2) = 14.460, p < 0.001; lower part: f(2) = 7.672, p = 0.002), dynamic balance (f(2) = 4.196, p = 0.024), and quality of life (overall quality of life & general health: f(2) = 5.443, p = 0.009; physical health: f(2) = 13.991, p < 0.001; psychological: f(2) = 9.946, p < 0.001; environmental: f(2) = 20.004, p < 0.001; total: f(2) = 11.958, p < 0.001) were significantly improved only in MTG. There was no significant change in pain pressure threshold (upper trapezius (UT): f(2) = 0.765, p = 0.473; levator scapula (LS): f(2) = 0.213, p = 0.809; splenius capitis (SC): f(2) = 0.186, p = 0.831) and muscle characteristics (UT stiffness: f(2) = 1.486, p = 0.241; UT elasticity: f(2) = 0.358, p = 0.702; LS stiffness: f(2) = 2.440, p = 0.102; LS elasticity: f(2) = 0.544, p = 0.585) in both groups. In comparison between groups, the MTG showed a significant difference in sensory function compared to the CG (resting pain: f(2) = 10.487, p = 0.005; lower part: f(2) = 5.341, p = 0.034 in TSA). Our findings suggest that meditation combined with stabilization exercise improved pain, muscle strength, and depression of female caregivers. In particular, greater benefits on tactile sense, balance, and quality of life were found in performing these in the marine region compared to the urban region.

Mind-Body Therapies From Traditional Chinese Medicine: Evidence Map

Background: The mind-body therapies of traditional Chinese medicine include several intervention types and combine physical poses with conscious relaxation and breathing techniques. The purpose of this Evidence Map is to describe these different interventions and report related health outcomes.

Methods: This evidence map is based on the 3iE Evidence Gap Map methodology. We searched seven electronic databases (BVS, PUBMED, EMBASE, PEDro, ScienceDirect, Web of Sciences, and PschyInfo) from inception to November 2019 and included systematic reviews only. Systematic reviews were analyzed based on AMSTAR 2. We used Tableau to graphically display quality assessment, the number of reviews, outcomes, and effects.

Results: The map is based on 116 systematic reviews and 44 meta-analyses. Most of the reviews were published in the last 5 years. The most researched interventions were Tai Chi and Qi Gong. The reviews presented the following quality assessment: 80 high, 43 moderate, 23 low, and 14 critically low. Every 680 distinct outcome effect was classified: 421 as potential positive; 237 as positive; 21 as inconclusive/mixed; one potential negative and none no effect. Positive effects were related to chronic diseases; mental indicators and disorders; vitality, well-being, and quality of life. Potential positive effects were related to balance, mobility, Parkinson's disease, hypertension, joint pain, cognitive performance, and sleep quality. Inconclusive/mixed-effects justify further research, especially in the following areas: Acupressure as Shiatsu and Tuiná for nausea and vomiting; Tai Chi and Qi Gong for acute diseases, prevention of stroke, stroke risk factors, and schizophrenia.

Conclusions: The mind-body therapies from traditional Chinese medicine have been applied in different areas and this Evidence Map provides a visualization of valuable information for patients, professionals, and policymakers, to promote evidence-based complementary therapies.

On the body-mind nexus in chronic musculoskeletal pain: A scoping review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE

Bodily experience disturbances are frequent among chronic musculoskeletal pain patients and associated with important pain-related psychosocial outcomes (e.g., disability, quality of life). However, the relationship between bodily experience and the psychological dimensions of chronic pain (e.g., affective, cognitive) has only recently garnered attention. This scoping review aimed to identify trends and gaps in research on the nexus between body awareness, body image, and body schema, and psychological processes/outcomes in adults with chronic musculoskeletal pain to inform future directions for research and practice.

DATABASES AND DATA TREATMENT

This study was guided by Arksey and O'Malley's guidelines and PRISMA-ScR recommendations. Keywords related to body awareness/body image/body schema and pain were searched on PsycInfo and PubMed from database inception until February 16, 2021; 2045 articles were screened, and 41 met the inclusion criteria (i.e., primary quantitative studies investigating body awareness/body image/body schema in relation to pain-related psychological outcomes/processes in chronic musculoskeletal pain).

RESULTS

The referred bodily experience constructs have been inconsistently defined. Body awareness was the most investigated construct, with consistent operationalization strategies. The links between body schema/body image and pain-related psychological processes/outcomes are still under-investigated. Most studies examined the role of bodily experience as a correlate/predictor of psychological outcomes/processes; overall, a better relationship with one's own body was associated with better pain-related psychological outcomes/processes.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings emphasize the relevance of further investigating body-mind relations in musculoskeletal pain and the development of therapies designed to improve the bodily experience within multidisciplinary treatment programs. Suggestions for future research are discussed.

The Effectiveness and Safety of Mind-Body Modalities for Mental Health of Nurses in Hospital Setting: A Systematic Review

The mental health of nurses including burnout is an important issue. The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate whether mind-body modalities improve burnout and other mental health aspects of nurses. A comprehensive search was conducted using six electronic databases. Randomized controlled trials using mind-body modalities on the mental health of nurses, up to January 2021, were included. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Seventeen studies were included in the review. Data on mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) and yoga were available for burnout, and there was no evidence that multimodal resilience programs including MBIs statistically significantly improved burnout levels compared to no intervention or active control groups. However, one study reported that yoga could significantly improve emotional exhaustion and depersonalization, which are subscales of burnout, compared to usual care. In addition, the effects of MBIs, relaxation, yoga, and music on various mental health outcomes and stress-related symptoms have been reported. In conclusion, there was some evidence that yoga was helpful for improvement in burnout of nurses. However, due to the heterogeneity of interventions and outcomes of the studies included, further high-quality clinical trials are needed on this topic in the future.

Complementary and Alternative Modalities (CAM) for pain management in musculoskeletal diseases (MSDs)

Musculoskeletal diseases are a group of clinical conditions affecting the body's movement and remain a common source of pain affecting the quality of life. The aetio-pathological reasons for pain associated with musculoskeletal diseases can be varied and complex. Conventional medicine can treat or modify pain due to musculoskeletal diseases; however, these may be associated with some side effects and at times may not be able to relieve pain completely. These treatment modalities also have ceiling effects like doses of analgesics, the number of nerve blocks, etc. Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) provides a supplementary, unconventional modality to alleviate discomfort and disability associated with these mostly chronic conditions to manage activities of daily living. These modalities have been variedly combined with conventional management for symptom control and thus improve day-to-day activities. We assess the role of commonly used CAM modalities in the management of pain arising from Musculoskeletal diseases.

Flotation Restricted Environmental Stimulation Therapy for Chronic Pain: A Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

Flotation restricted environmental stimulation therapy (REST) is an emerging therapeutic intervention that, to our knowledge, has never been directly compared with an indistinguishable placebo in patients with chronic pain.

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether 5 flotation-REST sessions alleviate chronic pain.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This single-blind, randomized clinical trial compared flotation-REST as an intervention for the treatment of chronic pain with indistinguishable placebo and wait-list control conditions at Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany. Men and women aged 18 to 75 years who had been diagnosed with chronic pain disorder with psychological and somatic factors (International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision, German Modification, code F45.41) by physicians at the study center were randomly assigned to 1 of the 3 groups. Data were collected from June 26, 2018, to June 18, 2020.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients in the intervention and placebo groups underwent 5 treatment sessions lasting 60 to 90 minutes, each session separated by 4 days. The placebo treatment was delivered in the same floating tank but controlled for effortless floating and environmental stimulus restriction. Patients in the wait-list control group did not receive any additional treatment but were asked to continue any ongoing treatments at the time of enrollment.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome was a change in pain intensity 1 week after the last treatment session. The assessment was repeated at 12 and 24 weeks. Secondary outcomes included pain-related disability, pain area, pain widespreadness (number of body regions affected by pain), anxiety, depression, and quality of life, as well as several other short-term outcomes.

RESULTS

A total of 99 patients (mean [SD] age, 51.7 [12.3] years; 80 women [81%]) were included in the study. No differences were found among the groups in the primary outcomes (mean [SD] change in maximum pain: -7.6 [19.7] for the intervention group, -5.8 [12.7] for the placebo group, and 0.4 [14.0] for the wait-list control group; mean [SD] change in mean pain: -2.1 [19.4] for the intervention group,-4.2 [16.2] for the placebo group, and 2.0 [12.6] for the wait-list control group). Long-term secondary outcomes did not show significant differences. In the short term, patients in the intervention group showed significant improvements in pain intensity (-17.0 [17.1]; P < .001), relaxation (23.9 [22.6]; P < .001), anxiety (-10.1 [8.4]; P < .001), pain area (-3.6% [7.4%]; P < .001), and widespreadness (-2.0 [3.0]; P < .001), and similar changes where observed in the placebo group.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Patients with chronic pain experienced no long-term benefits from the 5 flotation-REST interventions. Clinically relevant short-term changes in pain in the placebo group suggest that improvements may not be caused by environmental stimulus restriction or effortless floating as previously thought.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03584750.

Development of a Novel Intervention (Mindful Steps) to Promote Long-Term Walking Behavior in Chronic Cardiopulmonary Disease: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Background

Despite current rehabilitation programs, long-term engagement in physical activity remains a significant challenge for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and heart failure (HF). Novel strategies to promote physical activity in these populations are greatly needed. Emerging literature on the benefits of both mind–body interventions and web-based interventions provide the rationale for the development of the Mindful Steps intervention for increasing walking behavior.

Objective

This study aims to develop a novel multimodal mind–body exercise intervention through adaptation of an existing web-based physical activity intervention and incorporation of mind–body exercise, and to pilot test the delivery of the new intervention, Mindful Steps, in a randomized controlled feasibility trial in older adults with COPD and/or HF.

Methods

In phase 1, guided by a theoretical conceptual model and review of the literature on facilitators and barriers of physical activity in COPD and HF, we convened an expert panel of researchers, mind–body practitioners, and clinicians to inform development of the novel, multimodal intervention. In phase 2, we are conducting a pilot randomized controlled feasibility trial of the Mindful Steps intervention that includes in-person mind–body exercise classes, an educational website, online mind–body videos, and a pedometer with step-count feedback and goals to increase walking behavior in patients with COPD and/or HF. Outcomes include feasibility measures as well as patient-centered measures.

Results

The study is currently ongoing. Phase 1 intervention development was completed in March 2019, and phase 2 data collection began in April 2019.

Conclusions

Through the integration of components from a web-based physical activity intervention and mind–body exercise, we created a novel, multimodal program to impact long-term physical activity engagement for individuals with COPD and HF. This developmental work and pilot study will provide valuable information needed to design a future clinical trial assessing efficacy of this multimodal approach.

Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03003780; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03003780

International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)

DERR1-10.2196/27826

An exploratory clinical trial on acceptance and commitment therapy as an adjunct to psychoeducational relaxation therapy for chronic pain

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the clinical efficacy of two differently-designed psychological interventions for chronic pain.Design: 138 patients presenting chronic pain were randomly assigned to one of two experimental conditions: (1) Psychoeducational relaxation therapy (PRT, n = 84) or (2) PRT followed by acceptance and commitment therapy (PRT + ACT, n = 54).Main outcome measures: Pain intensity, quality of life (SF-36), anxiety and depression (HADS), stress (PSS), pain catastrophizing (PCS), chronic pain acceptance (CPAQ), and psychological inflexibility (PIPS) were assessed at three time-points: before therapy (T1); at the end of the therapy (T2); and 3- months after the end of the therapy (T3).Results: In T2, the PRT intervention showed more significant improvements in the measures of mental quality of life [F (1,92) = 7.478, P < .05] and depression [F (1, 92) = 5.804, P < .05] compared to the PRT + ACT intervention. The experimental groups did not differ in their outcome measures at T3.Conclusion: PRT appears to be an effective solution in the psychological care of chronic pain. The effectiveness of this type of intervention seems to have been underestimated. The addition of ACT sessions did not significantly impact the results, indicating that both designs of interventions are effective in the short term.

Impact of mind-body treatment interventions on quality of life in neurofibromatosis patients: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Individuals with neurofibromatosis (NF) experience poorer quality of life (QoL), in part contributed by the clinical manifestations of NF, such as functional disability, chronic pain, and altered physical appearance. Mind-body therapies (MBTs) tailored to NF have been developed, and have demonstrated promising potential to improve QoL in this population. We sought to systematically review current evidence on the effectiveness of MBTs in addressing QoL deficits in NF patients. Databases were reviewed between the date of inception and June 2020, using search terms: neurofibromatosis, schwannomatosis, psychotherapy, mind-body, mindfulness, meditation, resiliency, and behavioral therapy. Quality appraisal was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tools and National Institutes of Health Study Quality Assessment Tools. We conducted a meta-analysis of mean differences and reported aggregate effect estimates with 95% confidence intervals. A total of 10 articles, including randomized-controlled trials and pre-post studies, were identified. Meta-analytic results of randomized-controlled trial data from six citations demonstrated MBTs were associated with improved physical (MD = 13.63, 95%CI 6.95-20.30, P < .0001, I² = 24%), psychological (MD = 14.11, 95%CI 6.44-21.78, P = .0003, I² = 38%), social (MD = 9.63, 95%CI 2.93-16.33, P = .005, I² = 0%), and environmental QoL (MD = 14.14, 95%CI 8.28-20.00, P < .00001. I² = 0%) in NF patients. These associations were maintained at 6-months follow-up for physical, psychological, and environmental QoL (P < .05). Our findings suggest that NF-adapted MBT strategies are associated with improving QoL in diverse NF populations, including NF2 patients experiencing deafness and youth NF patients. Providers and caregivers for NF should be aware of the potential benefits of MBT in chronic NF management.

Feasibility of a yoga intervention to decrease pain in older women: a randomized controlled pilot study

BACKGROUND

A significant proportion of older women suffer from chronic pain, which can decrease quality of life. The objective of this pilot randomized study was to evaluate the feasibility of a flow-restorative yoga intervention designed to decrease pain and related outcomes among women aged 60 or older.

METHODS

Flow-restorative yoga classes were held twice weekly for 1 hour and led by a certified yoga instructor. Participants randomized to the intervention group attended the yoga classes for 12 weeks and received supplemental materials for at-home practice. Those randomized to the control group were asked to maintain their normal daily routine. Feasibility was evaluated using recruitment and retention rates, class and home practice adherence rates, and participant satisfaction surveys. Outcome measures (self-reported pain, inflammatory markers, functional fitness, quality of life, resilience, and self-reported physical activity) were assessed at baseline and post-intervention. Paired t-tests or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to examine changes in outcome measures within treatment groups.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight participants were recruited and randomized. Participants were primarily white, college-educated, and higher functioning, despite experiencing various forms of chronic pain. Attendance and retention rates were high (91 and 97%, respectively) and the majority of participants were satisfied with the yoga program (89%) and would recommend it to others (87%). Intervention participants also experienced reductions in pain interference and improvements in energy and social functioning.

CONCLUSIONS

This pilot study provides essential data to inform a full scale randomized trial of flow-restorative yoga for older women with chronic pain. Future studies should emphasize strategies to recruit a more diverse study population, particularly older women at higher risk of disability and functional decline.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov , NCT03790098 . Registered 31 December 2018 - Retrospectively registered.

Mind-Body Interventions for Rehabilitation Medicine: Promoting Wellness, Healing, and Coping with Adversity

Physical medicine providers work to cure organic aspects of disease while simultaneously enhancing quality of life and well-being. Mind-body interventions are evidence-based, cost-effective approaches to serve these aims. This article enhances provider knowledge and acceptance of the most effective and prevalent mind-body modalities: meditation, guided imagery, clinical hypnosis, and biofeedback. The scientific evidence is strongest for mind-body applications for chronic pain, primary headache, cardiac rehabilitation, and cancer rehabilitation, with preliminary evidence for traumatic brain injury and cerebrovascular events. Mind-body interventions are well-tolerated by patients and should be considered part of standard care in physical medicine and rehabilitation settings.

Mindfulness meditation for workplace wellness: An evidence map

BACKGROUND

Mindfulness interventions aim to foster greater attention and awareness of present moment experiences. Uptake of mindfulness programs in the workplace has grown as organizations look to support employee health, wellbeing, and performance.

OBJECTIVE

In support of evidence-based decision making in workplace contexts, we created an evidence map summarizing physical and mental health, cognitive, affective, and interpersonal outcomes from systematic reviews of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of mindfulness interventions.

METHODS

We searched nine electronic databases to July 2017, dually-screened all reviews, and consulted topic experts to identify systematic reviews on mindfulness interventions. The distribution of evidence is presented as an evidence map in a bubble plot.

RESULTS

In total, 175 systematic reviews met inclusion criteria. Reviews included a variety of mindfulness-based interventions. The largest review included 109 randomized controlled trials. The majority of these addressed general health, psychological conditions, chronic illness, pain, and substance use. Twenty-six systematic reviews assessed studies conducted in workplace settings and with healthcare professionals, educators, and caregivers. The evidence map shows the prevalence of research by the primary area of focus. An outline of promising applications of mindfulness interventions is included.

CONCLUSIONS

The evidence map provides an overview of existing mindfulness research. It shows the body of available evidence to inform policy and organizational decision-making supporting employee wellbeing in work contexts.

Resilience linked to personality dimensions, alexithymia and affective symptoms in motor functional neurological disorders

OBJECTIVE

Reduced resilience, a construct associated with maladaptive stress coping and a predisposing vulnerability for Functional Neurological Disorders (FND), has been under-studied compared to other neuropsychiatric factors in FND. This prospective case-control study investigated self-reported resilience in patients with FND compared to controls and examined relationships between resilience and affective symptoms, personality traits, alexithymia, health status and adverse life event burden.

METHODS

50 individuals with motor FND and 47 healthy controls participated. A univariate test followed by a logistic regression analysis investigated group-level differences in Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC) scores. For within-group analyses performed separately in patients with FND and controls, univariate screening tests followed by multivariate linear regression analyses examined factors associated with self-reported resilience.

RESULTS

Adjusting for age, gender, education status, ethnicity and lifetime adverse event burden, patients with FND reported reduced resilience compared to controls. Within-group analyses in patients with FND showed that individual-differences in mental health, extraversion, conscientiousness, and openness positively correlated with CD-RISC scores; post-traumatic stress disorder symptom severity, depression, anxiety, alexithymia and neuroticism scores negatively correlated with CD-RISC scores. Extraversion independently predicted resilience scores in patients with FND. In control subjects, univariate associations were appreciated between CD-RISC scores and gender, personality traits, anxiety, alexithymia and physical health; conscientiousness independently predicted resilience in controls.

CONCLUSION

Patients with FND reported reduced resilience, and CD-RISC scores covaried with other important predisposing vulnerabilities for the development of FND. Future research should investigate if the CD-RISC is predictive of clinical outcomes in patients with FND.

Does a Brief Mindfulness Exercise Improve Outcomes in Upper Extremity Patients? A Randomized Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Mindfulness-based interventions are useful in reducing psychologic distress and pain intensity in patients with chronic pain. However, most mindfulness-based interventions are resource-intensive, lengthy, and not feasible for busy orthopaedic surgical practices.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

The purpose of this study was to determine if a 60-second personalized mindfulness-based video exercise is (1) associated with improved pain intensity, emotional distress, and state anxiety compared with an attention placebo control (a time-matched educational pamphlet about pain and stress); and (2) feasible and acceptable for patients with upper extremity injury in an orthopaedic practice.

METHODS

This was a single-center, single-blind randomized controlled trial of the mindfulness-based video exercise (60 seconds duration, free online) versus an attention placebo control (an educational pamphlet about pain and stress presented to patients to read over 60 seconds). One hundred forty-nine patients presenting for a new or followup appointment at the office of one of two orthopaedic hand and upper extremity outpatient surgical practices at an urban academic hospital were invited to participate between September 2016 and December 2016. Of 149 patients screened, 125 patients were randomized and completed a demographic questionnaire, the Numeric Rating Scale to assess pain intensity, the State Anxiety subscale of the State Trait Anxiety Inventory to assess state anxiety, and Emotion Thermometers to assess anxiety, anger, and depression before and after the interventions. Postintervention, patients also completed the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire Scale-3 to assess the acceptability. A mean score of 21 or higher is considered acceptable. Feasibility was determined based on number of patients approached who refused participation. The intervention was defined as feasible if refusal rate was lower than 25%. Analysis of covariance was used to test comparative improved pain intensity on the NRS, psychologic distress on the Emotion Thermometers, and state anxiety on the State Anxiety Subscale of the State Trait Anxiety Index after controlling for respective baseline scores. A 1-point minimal clinically important difference (MCID) was used on the NRS for pain intensity.

RESULTS

Adjusted for the baseline means, compared with patients who received the attention placebo control, patients who participated in the mindfulness-based video exercise demonstrated improved pain intensity (mindfulness-based video exercise: 3.03 ± 0.12; control: 3.49 ± 0.12; mean difference: 0.46 [0.12-0.80]; p = 0.008); state anxiety (mindfulness-based video exercise: 32.35 ± 0.59; control: 35.29 ± 0.59; mean difference: 2.94 [1.29-4.59]; p = 0.001); anxiety symptoms (mindfulness-based video exercise: 1.49 ± 0.19; control: 2.10 ± 0.19; mean difference: 0.61 [0.08-1.14]; p = 0.024); depression (mindfulness-based video exercise: 1.03 ± 0.10; control: 1.47 ± 0.11; mean difference: 0.44 [0.15-0.73]; p = 0.004); and anger (mindfulness-based video exercise: 0.76 ± 0.12; control: 1.36 ± 0.12; mean difference: 0.60 [0.26-0.94]; p = 0.001). However, the observed differences in pain intensity were below 1 point on the NRS, which is the MCID established in patients with chronic pain. No MCID is available for the other measures. The mindfulness-based video exercise was feasible based on a dropout rate of 0%, and acceptability reached the medium range with similar scores in both groups (mindfulness-based video exercise: 20.70 ± 5.48; control: 20.52 ± 6.42).

CONCLUSIONS

A 60-second mindfulness-based video exercise is feasible to implement and acceptable to patients in busy orthopaedic practices. This video exercise is also effective in improving momentary pain, anxiety, depression, and anger in this population, but it is unclear whether these improved pain and distress levels are meaningful to patients who present with low levels of pain and psychologic distress. Future studies should seek to discern whether the improved pain and distress levels we observed are clinically important or whether the intervention delivers larger effects in subgroups of patients experiencing greater pain intensity and if the improved pain and distress levels are durable. Such studies might also assess cost-effectiveness, because this mindfulness-based tool takes little time and few resources to use, and the effects and durability of multiple sessions of a mindfulness-based video exercise.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II, therapeutic study.

Mindfulness Meditation for Chronic Pain: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Chronic pain patients increasingly seek treatment through mindfulness meditation.

PURPOSE

This study aims to synthesize evidence on efficacy and safety of mindfulness meditation interventions for the treatment of chronic pain in adults.

METHOD

We conducted a systematic review on randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with meta-analyses using the Hartung-Knapp-Sidik-Jonkman method for random-effects models. Quality of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. Outcomes included pain, depression, quality of life, and analgesic use.

RESULTS

Thirty-eight RCTs met inclusion criteria; seven reported on safety. We found low-quality evidence that mindfulness meditation is associated with a small decrease in pain compared with all types of controls in 30 RCTs. Statistically significant effects were also found for depression symptoms and quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

While mindfulness meditation improves pain and depression symptoms and quality of life, additional well-designed, rigorous, and large-scale RCTs are needed to decisively provide estimates of the efficacy of mindfulness meditation for chronic pain.

Effects of Tai Chi versus Physical Therapy on Mindfulness in Knee Osteoarthritis

Tai Chi mind-body exercise is widely believed to improve mindfulness through incorporating meditative states into physical movements. A growing number of studies indicate that Tai Chi may improve health in knee osteoarthritis (OA), a chronic pain disease and a primary cause of global disability. However, little is known about the contribution of mindfulness to treatment effect of Tai Chi practice. Therefore, our purpose was to investigate the effect of Tai Chi mind-body practice compared to physical therapy (PT) on mindfulness in knee OA. Adults with radiographic-confirmed, symptomatic knee OA were randomized to either 12 weeks (twice weekly) of Tai Chi or PT. Participants completed the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ) before and after intervention along with commonly-used patient-reported outcomes for pain, physical function, and other health-related outcomes. Among 86 participants (74% female, 48% white, mean age 60 years, 85% at least college educated), mean total FFMQ was 142±17. Despite substantial improvements in pain, function, and other health-related outcomes, each treatment group's total FFMQ did not significantly change from baseline (Tai Chi= 0.76, 95% CI: -2.93, 4.45; PT= 1.80, 95% CI: -2.33, 5.93). The difference in total FFMQ between Tai Chi and PT was not significant (-1.04 points, 95% CI: -6.48, 4.39). Mindfulness did not change after Tai Chi or PT intervention in knee OA, which suggests that Tai Chi may not improve health in knee OA through cultivating mindfulness. Further study is needed to identify underlying mechanisms of effective mind-body interventions among people with knee OA.

Mindfulness and meditation as an adjunctive treatment for adolescents involved in the juvenile justice system: Is repairing the brain and nervous system possible?

Adolescents involved in the juvenile justice system are prone to more traumatic events than other adolescents, leaving them in danger of developmental difficulties. Trauma exposure is predictive of poor outcomes including mental and physical health issues as well as criminal activity. Current treatment approaches either have a nominal effect on recidivism rates or increase the likelihood of future criminal offenses. This article explores adolescent brain development, the unique difficulties that juvenile justice youth face, and mindfulness meditation as an adjunctive treatment to system-based treatment. Mindfulness meditation may be a way to redress damage to the brain and facilitate healthy brain development, thus impacting prosocial behavior. Practice implications include integrating mindfulness meditation as an important part of rehabilitative efforts with juvenile justice youth.

Use of Integrative Medicine in the United States Military Health System

Integrative medicine (IM) is a model of care which uses both conventional and nonconventional therapies in a "whole person" approach to achieve optimum mental, physical, emotional, spiritual, and environmental health, and is increasingly popular among patients and providers seeking to relieve chronic or multifactorial conditions. The US Department of Defense (DoD) shows particular interest in and usage of IM for managing chronic conditions including the signature "polytrauma triad" of chronic pain, traumatic brain injury (TBI), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among its beneficiaries in the Military Health System (MHS). These modalities range from conventional nondrug, nonsurgical options such as cognitive-behavioral therapy to nonconventional options such as acupuncture, chiropractic, and mind-body techniques. These are of particular interest for their potential to relieve symptoms without relying on opiates, which impair performance and show high potential for abuse while often failing to provide full relief. This review describes the use of IM in the MHS, including definitions of the model, common therapies and potential for use, and controversy surrounding the practice. More research is needed to build a comprehensive usage analysis, which in turn will inform sound clinical and financial practice for the MHS and its beneficiaries.

EULAR revised recommendations for the management of fibromyalgia

OBJECTIVE

The original European League Against Rheumatism recommendations for managing fibromyalgia assessed evidence up to 2005. The paucity of studies meant that most recommendations were 'expert opinion'.

METHODS

A multidisciplinary group from 12 countries assessed evidence with a focus on systematic reviews and meta-analyses concerned with pharmacological/non-pharmacological management for fibromyalgia. A review, in May 2015, identified eligible publications and key outcomes assessed were pain, fatigue, sleep and daily functioning. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation system was used for making recommendations.

RESULTS

2979 titles were identified: from these 275 full papers were selected for review and 107 reviews (and/or meta-analyses) evaluated as eligible. Based on meta-analyses, the only 'strong for' therapy-based recommendation in the guidelines was exercise. Based on expert opinion, a graduated approach, the following four main stages are suggested underpinned by shared decision-making with patients. Initial management should involve patient education and focus on non-pharmacological therapies. In case of non-response, further therapies (all of which were evaluated as 'weak for' based on meta-analyses) should be tailored to the specific needs of the individual and may involve psychological therapies (for mood disorders and unhelpful coping strategies), pharmacotherapy (for severe pain or sleep disturbance) and/or a multimodal rehabilitation programme (for severe disability).

CONCLUSIONS

These recommendations are underpinned by high-quality reviews and meta-analyses. The size of effect for most treatments is relatively modest. We propose research priorities clarifying who will benefit from specific interventions, their effect in combination and organisation of healthcare systems to optimise outcome.

Quality of conduct and reporting in rapid reviews: an exploration of compliance with PRISMA and AMSTAR guidelines

BACKGROUND

Rapid reviews are an accelerated evidence synthesis approach intended to meet the timely needs of decision-makers in healthcare settings. Quality of conduct and reporting has been described in the rapid review literature; however, no formal assessment has been carried out using available instruments. The objective of this study was to explore compliance with conduct and reporting guidelines in rapid reviews published or posted online during 2013 and 2014.

METHODS

We performed a comprehensive literature search for rapid reviews using multiple bibliographic databases (e.g. PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library) through December 31, 2014. Grey literature was searched thoroughly, and health technology assessment agencies were surveyed to identify additional rapid review products. Candidate reviews were assessed for inclusion using pre-specified eligibility criteria. Detailed data was collected from the included reviews on study and reporting characteristics and variables significant to rapid reviews (e.g. nomenclature, definition). We evaluated the quality of conduct and reporting of included rapid reviews using the A Measurement Tool to Assess Systematic Reviews (AMSTAR) and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklists. Compliance with each checklist item was examined, and the sum of adequately reported items was used to describe overall compliance. Rapid reviews were stratified to explore differences in compliance related to publication status. The association between compliance and time to completion or length of publication was explored through univariate regression.

RESULTS

Sixty-six rapid reviews were included. There were heterogeneous nomenclature, research questions and approaches to rapid reviews. Compliance with AMSTAR and PRISMA checklists was poor. Published rapid reviews were compliant with individual PRISMA items more often than unpublished reviews, but no difference was seen in AMSTAR item compliance overall. There was evidence of an association between length of publication and time to completion and the number of adequately reported PRISMA or AMSTAR items.

CONCLUSIONS

Transparency and inadequate reporting are significant limitations of rapid reviews. Scientific editors, authors and producing agencies should ensure that the reporting of conduct and findings is accurate and complete. Further research may be warranted to explore reporting and conduct guidelines specific to rapid reviews and how these guidelines may be applied across the spectrum of rapid review approaches.

Effectiveness of app-based relaxation for patients with chronic low back pain (Relaxback) and chronic neck pain (Relaxneck): study protocol for two randomized pragmatic trials

BACKGROUND

Chronic low back pain (LBP) and neck pain (NP) are highly prevalent conditions resulting in high economic costs. Treatment guidelines recommend relaxation techniques, such as progressive muscle relaxation, as adjuvant therapies. Self-care interventions could have the potential to reduce costs in the health care system, but their effectiveness, especially in a usual care setting, is unclear. The aim of these two pragmatic randomized studies is to evaluate whether an additional app-delivered relaxation is more effective in the reduction of chronic LBP or NP than usual care alone.

METHODS/DESIGN

Each pragmatic randomized two-armed study aims to include a total of 220 patients aged 18 to 65 years with chronic (>12 weeks) LBP or NP and an average pain intensity of ≥ 4 on a numeric rating scale (NRS) in the 7 days before recruitment. The participants will be randomized into an intervention and a usual care group. The intervention group will be instructed to practice one of these 3 relaxation techniques on at least 5 days/week for 15 minutes/day over a period of 6 months starting on the day of randomization: autogenic training, mindfulness meditation, or guided imagery. Instructions and exercises will be provided using a smartphone app, baseline information will be collected using paper and pencil. Follow-up information (daily, weekly, and after 3 and 6 months) will be collected using electronic diaries and questionnaires included in the app. The primary outcome measure will be the mean LBP or NP intensity during the first 3 months of intervention based on daily pain intensity measurements on a NRS (0 = no pain, 10 = worst possible pain). The secondary outcome parameters will include the mean pain intensity during the first 6 months after randomization based on daily measurements, the mean pain intensity measured weekly as the average pain intensity of the previous 7 days over 3 and 6 months, pain acceptance, 'LBP- and NP-related' stress, sick leave days, pain medication intake, adherence, suspected adverse reaction, and serious adverse events.

DISCUSSION

The designed studies reflect a usual self-care setting and will provide evidence on a pragmatic self-care intervention that is easy to combine with care provided by medical professionals.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov identifier Relaxback NCT02019498, Relaxneck NCT02019134 registered on 18 December 2013.

Effectiveness of active self-care complementary and integrative medicine therapies: options for the management of chronic pain symptoms

OBJECTIVES

Chronic pain management typically consists of prescription medications or provider-based, behavioral, or interventional procedures that are often ineffective, may be costly, and can be associated with undesirable side effects. Because chronic pain affects the whole person (body, mind, and spirit), patient-centered complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) therapies that acknowledge the patients' roles in their own healing processes have the potential to provide more efficient and comprehensive chronic pain management. Active self-care CIM (ACT-CIM) therapies allow for a more diverse, patient-centered treatment of complex symptoms, promote self-management, and are relatively safe and cost-effective. To date, there are no systematic reviews examining the full range of ACT-CIM used for chronic pain symptom management.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted, using Samueli Institute's Rapid Evidence Assessment of the Literature methodology, to rigorously assess both the quality of the research on ACT-CIM modalities and the evidence for their efficacy and effectiveness in treating chronic pain symptoms. A working group of subject matter experts was also convened to evaluate the overall literature pool and develop recommendations for the use and implementation of these modalities.

RESULTS

Following key database searches, 146 randomized controlled trials were included in the review, 18 of which directly compared ACT-CIM approaches with one another.

CONCLUSIONS

This article summarizes the current evidence, quality, effectiveness, and safety of these modalities. Recommendations and next steps to move this field of research forward are also discussed. The entire scope of the review is detailed throughout the current Pain Medicine supplement.

An analysis of the various chronic pain conditions captured in a systematic review of active self-care complementary and integrative medicine therapies for the management of chronic pain symptoms

OBJECTIVES

Chronic pain management typically consists of prescription medications or provider-based, behavioral, or interventional procedures that are often ineffective, may be costly, and can be associated with undesirable side effects. Because chronic pain affects the whole person (body, mind, and spirit), patient-centered complementary and integrative medicine (CIM) therapies that acknowledge the patients' roles in their own healing processes have the potential to provide more efficient and comprehensive chronic pain management. Active self-care CIM therapies (ACT-CIM) allow for a more diverse, patient-centered treatment of complex symptoms, promote self-management, and are relatively safe and cost-effective. To date, there are no systematic reviews examining the full range of ACT-CIM used for chronic pain symptom management.

METHODS

A systematic review was conducted, using Samueli Institute's rapid evidence assessment of the literature (REAL©) methodology, to rigorously assess both the quality of the research on ACT-CIM modalities and the evidence for their efficacy and effectiveness in treating chronic pain symptoms. A working group of subject matter experts was also convened to evaluate the overall literature pool and develop recommendations for the use and implementation of these modalities.

RESULTS

Following key database searches, 146 randomized controlled trials, covering 33 different pain conditions, were included in the review.

CONCLUSIONS

This article categorized studies by pain condition, describing the diagnostic criteria used and modalities that seem most effective for each condition. Complexities associated with investigating chronic pain populations are also discussed. The entire scope of the review, categorized by modality rather than pain condition, is detailed throughout the current Pain Medicine supplement.