Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of a Tele-Rehabilitation Program in the Treatment of Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain

Effectiveness and Cost-Effectiveness of a Tele-Rehabilitation Program in the Treatment of Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain

The aim of this clinical trial is to develop and test the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of an internet-based self-management program based on pain education and exercise for people with chronic musculoskeletal pain.

Chronic pain is a major burden on the individual and society. It is estimated that about one third of the adult population worldwide suffer from chronic pain, with higher prevalence rates reported for low-income countries. Internet-based self-management programs have grown with the development of new technologies and have been extensively used for delivering healthcare in many areas. However, there is still little research on the development and testing of remotely-delivered programs for the management of chronic musculoskeletal pain, especially in low and mid-income countries. The aim of this clinical trial is to develop and test the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of an internet-based self-management program based on pain education and exercise for people with chronic musculoskeletal pain.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Aged between 18 and 60 years

• Seeking treatment for any chronic musculoskeletal pain of at least 3 points in a 0 to 10 Pain Numerical Rating Scale

• Able to read and understand Portuguese

• With internet access.

  • Chronic Pain will be defined as pain lasting more than 12 weeks.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Present neurological symptoms (nerve root compromise, or sensation deficits)

• Present serious spinal pathologies (e.g., fracture, tumor, inflammatory, autoimmune, and infectious diseases)

• Present serious cardiovascular and metabolic diseases (e.g., coronary heart disease, cardiac insufficiency, decompensated diabetes)

• Recent orthopaedic surgery (over the last 12 months)

• Scheduled to undergo surgery in the next 6 months, or pregnancy

• If have any contraindication to exercise

  • We will perform a pre-screening for physical activity participation at baseline using the Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) Portuguese version to rule out any contraindication to participate in physical activity.