Synergizing music therapy and biomechanics: Unveiling novel modulation mechanisms for chronic pain management
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the combined effects of music therapy and biomechanical interventions on chronic pain management, focusing on pain intensity, functional impairment, and quality of life. A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating quantitative measures (pain intensity, functional impairment, and quality of life) with qualitative interviews to capture participants’ experiences. The study involved 120 participants with chronic pain conditions, including fibromyalgia, arthritis, and neuropathic pain. Moreover, participants were selected through purposive sampling. Descriptive and inferential statistics revealed significant improvements in pain intensity visual analogue scale (VAS: 7.8 to 4.6, p < 0.001), functional impairment pain disability index (PDI: 45.6 to 32.3, p < 0.001), and quality of life (SF)-36: 62.4 to 78.2, p < 0.001). Qualitative findings highlighted emotional and cognitive benefits from music therapy and physical improvements from biomechanical interventions, particularly enhanced mobility and reduced pain. The integration of both therapies demonstrated a synergistic effect, significantly improving overall pain management (β = −0.5, p < 0.001). The study concludes that a combined approach offers a comprehensive, effective treatment for chronic pain. Clinical implications include incorporating multimodal interventions into rehabilitation programs with a personalized approach based on pain type and severity. Future research should explore long-term effects and further refine individualized treatment strategies. In contrast, the limitation of this study is the relatively small and homogeneous sample, which may limit generalizability to broader chronic pain populations. Additionally, the short intervention period does not allow for assessing long-term effects.
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