Review
Anesthesiology
Benjamin Siddall, Adrian Ram, Matthew D. Jones, John Booth, Diana Perriman, Simon J. Summers
Summary: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effect of combining pain neuroscience education (PNE) with exercise therapy for chronic musculoskeletal pain. The findings suggest that combining PNE and exercise leads to greater short-term improvements in pain, disability, kinesiophobia, and pain catastrophizing compared to exercise alone.
Review
Clinical Neurology
Lorenzo Bonatesta, Juan D. Ruiz-Cardenas, Luis Fernandez-Azorin, Juan J. Rodriguez-Juan
Summary: The study found that pain science education plus exercise therapy has a certain improvement effect on the management of symptoms in patients with chronic nonspecific spinal pain. However, further investigation and research are needed to confirm its effectiveness due to the limited number of studies and short follow-up periods.
Article
Orthopedics
Wouter Van Bogaert, Iris Coppieters, Jeroen Kregel, Jo Nijs, Robby De Pauw, Mira Meeus, Barbara Cagnie, Lieven Danneels, Anneleen Malfliet
Summary: The study showed that individuals with chronic spinal pain and high levels of fear of movement tend to have worse treatment outcomes. However, the experimental treatment combining pain neuroscience education with exercise therapy that addresses specific movements patients fear can mitigate this negative impact of kinesiophobia in patients.
Article
Orthopedics
Rosa Andias, Pedro Sa-Couto, Anabela G. Silva
Summary: Exercise and exercise plus pain neuroscience education had similar effectiveness in treating adolescents with chronic neck pain, and the results were maintained for up to 6 months.
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Sahar Soheili, Amir Letafatkar, Mahdi Hosseinzadeh
Summary: This paper presents a protocol for a randomized control trial to study the effect of a patient-led goal-setting approach combined with pain neuroscience education (PNE) or manual therapy (MT) among patients with chronic low back pain. The trial aims to evaluate the impact of the interventions on pain intensity, disability, and various secondary outcomes. The findings may have implications for athletic trainers, physiotherapists, and healthcare practitioners.
Article
Orthopedics
Liliam Barbuglio Del Priore, Vitoria Ozores Perez, Ronaldo Valdir Briani, Lucca Andre Liporoni Bego Farinelli, Julia de Cassia Pinto da Silva, Odisseia Marli Gimenes Martins, Fabio Arruda Lopes, Anita Barros Amorim, Evangelos Pappas, Fabio Micolis de Azevedo
Summary: This study aims to investigate the effects of adding an 8-week online mindfulness-based intervention (MBI) program to exercise therapy and patient education on clinical and psychological factors for people with patellofemoral pain (PFP). The study will recruit 62 participants and randomize them into two treatment groups, with one group receiving the MBI component in addition to exercise therapy and education. The results of this study have the potential to provide new directions for the treatment of PFP.
BMC MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS
(2023)
Review
Rehabilitation
Xiaopeng Ma, Ruohan Chen, Wei Li, Peng Huang
Summary: This review investigates the effect of pain neuroscience education (PNE) alone and combined with physical therapy or exercise for chronic low back pain (LBP), and finds that adding PNE to treatment programs leads to reductions in short-term pain and disability. The review also provides preliminary evidence on dose-effect relationships for PNE intervention, offering guidance for clinicians to design effective PNE sessions.
PHYSIOTHERAPY THEORY AND PRACTICE
(2023)
Article
Orthopedics
James J. Young, Alice Kongsted, Jan Hartvigsen, Carlo Ammendolia, Rikke Kruger Jensen
Summary: Patients with persistent NSLBP and LSS symptoms can expect similar improvements in disability and back pain intensity, and slightly greater improvements in leg pain intensity with treatment.
BMC MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS
(2023)
Review
Neurosciences
Ferran Cuenca-Martinez, Luis Suso-Marti, Joaquin Calatayud, Francisco Jose Ferrer-Sargues, Vicente Munoz-Alarcos, Patricio Alba-Quesada, Gemma Bivia-Roig
Summary: Pain neuroscience education (PNE) has been extensively studied in the field of physical therapy, but its effectiveness remains controversial. This umbrella review found that adding PNE-based intervention to other treatments can lead to greater clinical improvements in patients with chronic musculoskeletal pain, particularly in reducing the influence of psychosocial variables. However, studies testing the effectiveness of PNE alone did not show statistically significant improvements in pain intensity, disability levels, or psychosocial variables.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Orthopedics
Flavia Franciele dos Santos, Morgana Lopes Braga, Micaelen Mara Ferreira Barroso, Vinicius Cunha Oliveira, Murilo Xavier Oliveira
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the short-term and long-term effects of combining photobiomodulation therapy (PBMT) with an exercise protocol for individuals with persistent nonspecific low back pain. The research will assess whether adding PBMT to a physical therapist-supervised exercise program is more effective than exercise alone in treating chronic low back pain.
Article
Neurosciences
A. Cana-Pino, M. D. Apolo-Arenas, D. Falla, E. Lluch-Girbes, L. Espejo-Antunez
Summary: The combination of exercise therapy and Pain Neuroscience Education (PNE) can effectively reduce pain intensity, improve function, and decrease pain catastrophizing in patients with non-specific chronic low back pain. Laser-Guided Exercise (LGE) combined with PNE is more effective in reducing pain intensity compared to supervised exercise alone.
JOURNAL OF ELECTROMYOGRAPHY AND KINESIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Orthopedics
Fernando Augusto Goncalves Tavares, Joao Vitor Alves Rossister, Gabriela Caroline Leandro Lima, Leticia Gomes de Oliveira, Witor Souza Cavalcante, Mariana Arias Avila, Steven Zachary George, Thais Cristina Chaves
Summary: Combining pain neuroscience education (PNE) with spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) may result in longer-lasting effects in patients with chronic low back pain (CLBP), possibly mediated by pain self-efficacy. However, in the short term, PNE does not provide any additional effects on pain intensity and disability.
BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL THERAPY
(2023)
Article
Anesthesiology
Elizabeth Lane, John S. Magel, Anne Thackeray, Tom Greene, Nora F. Fino, Emilio J. Puentedura, Adriaan Louw, Daniel Maddox, Julie M. Fritz
Summary: Pain neuroscience education did not result in significant functional changes in patients with chronic spinal pain compared to usual care, but did show significant improvement in pain self-efficacy.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jeongkeun Song, Hyunjoong Kim, Jihye Jung, Seungwon Lee
Summary: This study aimed to demonstrate the therapeutic effect of combining soft-tissue mobilization (STM) with pain neuroscience education (PNE) for chronic nonspecific low back pain with central sensitization. The results showed that the group receiving STM plus PNE had significant improvement in pain intensity, central sensitization, pressure pain, pain cognition, and disability compared to the group receiving only STM.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Ki-Sang Kim, Jungae An, Ju-O Kim, Mi-Young Lee, Byoung-Hee Lee
Summary: This study investigated the effects of pain neuroscience education combined with lumbar stabilization exercises on female patients with chronic low back pain. The results showed that the combination of pain neuroscience education and lumbar stabilization exercises significantly improved muscle strength and reduced pain compared to lumbar stabilization exercises alone.
JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Anesthesiology
Cesar Fernandez-de-las-Penas, Paula Paras-Bravo, Diego Ferrer-Pargada, Ignacio Cancela-Cilleruelo, Jorge Rodriguez-Jimenez, Jo Nijs, Lars Arendt-Nielsen, Manuel Herrero-Montes
Summary: This study investigated the association between various variables and Central Sensitization Inventory (CSI) in previously hospitalized COVID-19 survivors experiencing post-COVID pain. The results showed that psychological and cognitive variables, such as anxiety levels and pain intensity, were independently associated with CSI scores. This suggests a significant overlap with psychological constructs and indicates important changes in pain processing for managing post-COVID pain.
Article
Anesthesiology
Eva Huysmans, Lisa Goudman, Wouter Van Bogaert, Jo Nijs, Koen Putman, Maarten Moens, Ronald Buyl, Kelly Ickmans, Guillermo Garcia Barajas, Josue Fernandez-Carnero, Iris Coppieters
Summary: This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the associations between pain intensity, cognitions, and quantitative sensory testing in patients scheduled for surgery for lumbar radiculopathy. The study found evidence of impaired inhibitory response to nociceptive stimuli and maladaptive pain cognitions in this population. However, there were no significant relationships between electrical detection thresholds and pain cognitions or pain intensity in these patients.
Article
Orthopedics
Marjolein Chys, Jente Bontinck, Lennard Voogt, Gracia Maria Gallego Sendarrubias, Barbara Cagnie, Mira Meeus, Kayleigh De Meulemeester
Summary: This study compared the immediate effects of dry needling and sham needling on pressure pain thresholds and conditioned pain modulation in patients with chronic idiopathic neck pain. The results showed no significant differences between the dry needling group and the sham needling group in any of the outcome measures.
BRAZILIAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL THERAPY
(2023)
Article
Anesthesiology
Carlos Murillo, Miguel Angel Galan-Martin, Federico Montero-Cuadrado, Enrique Lluch, Mira Meeus, Wen Wei Loh
Summary: This study provides insights into the underlying therapeutic mechanisms of pain neuroscience education combined with exercise for patients with chronic spinal pain. Reductions in kinesiophobia and central sensitization-related distress are important factors for favorable outcomes.
Article
Anesthesiology
Carlos Murillo, Iris Coppieters, Barbara Cagnie, Lisa Bernaers, Jente Bontinck, Mira Meeus, Inge Timmers
Summary: This study revealed altered neural responses in individuals with whiplash-associated disorders when imagining neck-specific movements. These patients may overpredict and amplify the sensory and affective consequences of the movements, leading to dysfunctional affective and/or behavioral responses. The findings provide new insights into the neural mechanisms underlying chronic pain in people with whiplash-associated disorders.
Article
Anesthesiology
Thomas Bilterys, Eveline Van Looveren, Anneleen Malfliet, Jo Nijs, Mira Meeus, Lieven Danneels, Kelly Ickmans, Barbara Cagnie, Dorien Goubert, Maarten Moens, Liesbet De Baets, Wouter Munneke, Olivier Mairesse
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the relationship and conformity between self-reported and objectively measured sleep parameters. The findings suggest a discrepancy between subjective and objective sleep parameters in people with chronic spinal pain and comorbid insomnia, with participants tending to underestimate total sleep time and overestimate sleep onset latency.
Article
Sport Sciences
S. Grosdent, D. Colman, C. Demoulin, J. -F. Kaux, N. Roussel, M. Vanderthommen
Summary: The objective of this study was to investigate the prevalence of impaired lumbopelvic motor control in elite tennis players with a history of disabling low back pain. The results showed that 40% of the players had experienced at least one episode of low back pain lasting more than five consecutive days in the previous year. Players with a history of low back pain performed significantly worse on lumbopelvic motor control tests compared to those without a history of low back pain. This study confirms the common occurrence of low back pain in tennis players and highlights the impaired motor control in the lumbopelvic region among those with a history of low back pain.
Article
Clinical Neurology
N. Runge, A. Arribas-Romano, C. Labie, O. Mairesse, Z. Goossens, J. Nijs, A. Malfliet, S. Verschueren, D. Van Assche, K. de Vlam, L. De Baets
Summary: This systematic review examined the effectiveness of exercise and physical activity programs on fatigue and sleep in people with arthritis. 36 studies involving 2281 participants were included. The evidence was inconclusive for the benefits of exercise on fatigue and sleep in people with osteoarthritis and psoriatic arthritis, while there was slight evidence of short-term benefit in people with ankylosing spondylitis and rheumatoid arthritis. However, the evidence for medium- and long-term benefits and any sleep parameters was uncertain.
SLEEP MEDICINE REVIEWS
(2023)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Liesbet De Baets, Nils Runge, Celine Labie, Olivier Mairesse, Anneleen Malfliet, Sabine Verschueren, Dieter Van Assche, Kurt de Vlam, Frank P. Luyten, Iris Coppieters, Alberto Herrero Babiloni, Marc O. Martel, Gilles J. Lavigne, Jo Nijs
Summary: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common condition that causes disability worldwide, with clinical pain as its main symptom. Insomnia symptoms are closely associated with clinical OA-related pain in a significant percentage of OA patients. This review focuses on the mechanisms linking insomnia symptoms to OA-related pain and the efficacy of non-pharmacological treatments on both symptoms. The evidence suggests that depressive symptoms, pain catastrophizing, and pain self-efficacy partially explain the association between insomnia symptoms and pain in OA patients. Treatments including an insomnia intervention are more effective in improving insomnia symptoms, but not in reducing clinical OA-related pain. However, positive effects on insomnia symptoms from treatment may lead to long-term pain reduction. Future studies investigating the neurobiological and psychosocial mechanisms underlying this association will help develop effective treatments targeting both insomnia symptoms and OA-related pain.
SLEEP MEDICINE REVIEWS
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Sophie Van Dijck, An De Groef, Janan Kothari, Lore Dams, Vincent Haenen, Nathalie Roussel, Mira Meeus
Summary: Barriers and facilitators to physical activity in cancer survivors with pain can be categorized into six domains: logistical, symptoms, cognitive, clinical, social, and knowledge domain. The barrier of pain distinguishes itself and brings along additional obstacles such as anxiety, fear, and avoidance behavior. Current evidence is limited and mostly focused on female breast cancer survivors. Further research in larger cohorts representing various subsets of cancer survivors with pain is needed, as well as studies that implement these insights in physical activity interventions.
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Margot De Kooning, Iris Coppieters, Eva Huysmans, Jo Nijs, Mira Meeus, Lennard Voogt, Erwin Hendriks, Kelly Ickmans
Summary: This study aimed to examine the effect of a single dose of a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (NRI) on pain relief at rest and in response to exercise in patients with chronic whiplash-associated disorders (WAD). The results showed that the use of SSRI or NRI did not improve hypoalgesia at rest or in response to exercise in patients with chronic WAD. The occupational status of the patients significantly affected the effect of exercise and medication on pain outcomes.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Eva Roose, Eva Huysmans, Astrid Lahousse, Kenza Mostaqim, Lotte van Gerven, Moniek Vissers, Jo Nijs, Paul Van Wilgen, David Beckwee, Annick Timmermans, Rinske Bults, Laurence Leysen
Summary: Fatigue and pain are common side effects affecting the quality of life in cancer survivors. Perceived injustice plays a significant role in these side effects, but research on cancer survivors is limited. This study aims to establish a clinically relevant cut-off for perceived injustice and examine its relationship with personal characteristics, symptoms, and quality of life in cancer survivors.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Rehabilitation
Michel G. C. A. M. Mertens, Filip Struyf, Olivier Verborgt, Lirios Duenas, Merce Balasch-Berrat, Santiago Navarro-Ledesma, Manuel Fernandez-Sanchez, Alejandro Luque-Suarez, Enrique Lluch Girbes, Mira Meeus
Summary: Altered central pain processing and dysautonomia may play a role in the clinical course of frozen shoulder. Psychological factors such as pain catastrophizing and hypervigilance may influence clinical variables. Over a 9-month period, patients with frozen shoulder showed initial improvement in shoulder pain and disability, pain intensity, pain catastrophizing, hypervigilance, and dysautonomia. There were fair longitudinal correlations between pain intensity and catastrophizing/hypervigilance, and poor correlations between pain intensity and allodynia/hyperalgesia, catastrophizing and dysautonomia, and hypervigilance and hyperalgesia. Improvement in autonomic symptoms was observed later.
MUSCULOSKELETAL SCIENCE AND PRACTICE
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Anthe Foubert, Nathalie Anne Roussel, Valerie-Anne Chantrain, Philip Maes, Lies Durnez, Sebastien Lobet, Catherine Lambert, Cedric Hermans, Mira Meeus
Summary: Joint pain is often overlooked and under-treated in people with haemophilia. This study used clinical criteria and a grading system to classify pain types in haemophilia patients and found a subgroup that may experience nociplastic pain. Compared to healthy individuals, haemophilia patients in the nociplastic pain subgroup showed higher levels of unhelpful psychological factors.
