This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effectiveness of OPMPs on improving pain self-efficacy and kinesiophobia in the chronic pain population.
Five databases were searched (MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL , Scopus and Web of Science). and studies included if they were randomised controlled trials that evaluated the effectiveness of OPMPs compared to usual care or face-to-face pain management programs on improving pain self-efficacy or kinesiophobia in adults with the musculoskeletal chronic pain. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane Collaboration’s tool for assessing risk of bias. Random-effects models were used in the meta-analyses. Standard mean difference (SMD) (Hedges’ g) and mean difference (MD) were used as effect measures. Certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. Five databases were searched (MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL , Scopus and Web of Science). and studies included if they were randomised controlled trials that evaluated the effectiveness of OPMPs compared to usual care or face-to-face pain management programs on improving pain self-efficacy or kinesiophobia in adults with the musculoskeletal chronic pain. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane Collaboration’s tool for assessing risk of bias. Random-effects models were used in the meta-analyses. Standard mean difference (SMD) (Hedges’ g) and mean difference (MD) were used as effect measures. Certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach. Five databases were searched (MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL , Scopus and Web of Science). and studies included if they were randomised controlled trials that evaluated the effectiveness of OPMPs compared to usual care or face-to-face pain management programs on improving pain self-efficacy or kinesiophobia in adults with the musculoskeletal chronic pain. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane Collaboration’s tool for assessing risk of bias. Random-effects models were used in the meta-analyses. Standard mean difference (SMD) (Hedges’ g) and mean difference (MD) were used as effect measures. Certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach.
From the initial search, 2352 studies were retrieved, and following screening 14 studies were eligible for inclusion, 12 studies and 7 studies with pain self-efficacy and kinesiophobia as their primary outcome respectively. Significant improvements were found post-treatment in pain self-efficacy (N=792, SMD=0.46, 95%CI=0.24 to 0.68, I2=76.1%) and kinesiophobia (N=603, SMD=-0.66, 95%CI=-1.05 to -0.26, I2= 80.1%). Effect sizes were small to moderate and did not meet their measurement tools’ minimal clinically important difference.
OPMPs appear to be effective in improving pain self-efficacy and kinesiophobia, however their effect may not be clinically meaningful.
This study is registered with PROSPERO (CRD42024520268).
Chronic pain is major global healthcare issue and access to evidenced based pain management programs is limited. Online pain management programs provide a solution, increasing accessibity to an effective tool that can help patients in their pain management.
pain management
digital health
