Accepted for/Published in: Journal of Medical Internet Research
Date Submitted: Aug 25, 2022
Date Accepted: Mar 15, 2023
Efficacy and Safety of Telerehabilitation for Fibromyalgia: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
ABSTRACT
Background:
Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic pain syndrome characterized by persistent and widespread musculoskeletal pain. Telerehabilitation is a promising treatment for patients with FM through long-term monitoring, intervention, supervision, consultation, and education.
Objective:
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of telerehabilitation services in patients with FM.
Methods:
Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) related to FM and telerehabilitation were systematically searched in the PubMed, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect, Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science databases from inception to May 25, 2022. Efficacy outcomes were evaluated using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ) scale, pian intensity, depression, pain catastrophizing, and quality of life (QoL). The safety outcomes were evaluated based on adverse events. RevMan software 5.4 was used for the data analysis.
Results:
Thirteen RCTs with 872 subjects were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled results indicated that the telerehabilitation improved the FIQ score (mean difference [MD]: -7.78; 95% confidence interval [CI]: -11.64, -3.93; p < 0.001;), pain intensity (standardized mean difference [SMD]: -0.59; 95% CI -0.78, -0.40; p < 0.001), depression levels (SMD: -0.43; 95% CI -0.67, -0.19; p < 0.001, pain catastrophizing (MD: -6.29; 95% CI -10.06, -2.53; p = 0.001), and QoL (SMD: 0.27; 95% CI 0.08, 0.46; p =0.005). Only one RCT reported a mild adverse event of telerehabilitation; the other twelve RCTs did not mention this.
Conclusions:
Telerehabilitation can improve FM symptoms and QoL. However, the safety of telerehabilitation remains uncertain for the management of FM.
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