European journal of pain : EJP
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Virtual Reality increases pressure pain threshold and lowers anxiety in children compared to control and non- immersive control - a randomized, crossover trial.
Virtual reality (VR) is a promising non-pharmacological pain intervention because it may not only distract but also modulate pain by immersing the user in a three-dimensional 360° alternate reality. In children, VR has been reported to reduce clinical pain and anxiety during medical procedures. However, the effect of immersive VR on pain and anxiety remains to be investigated in randomized controlled trials (RCT). The aim of the present crossover RCT was to assess the effect of VR on pressure pain threshold (PPT) and anxiety level measured with the modified Yale Preoperative Anxiety Scale (mYPAS) in children in a controlled experimental setting. ⋯ Paediatric immersive VR seems to be beneficial although well-controlled studies are pending. We investigated whether immersive VR can modulate children's threshold for pain and anxiety level in an experimental well-controlled setting. We document a modulatory pain threshold increase and anxiety level decrease compared with extensive control conditions. Paediatric immersive VR is effective, feasible and valid for non-pharmacological pain and anxiety management. All efforts to reach the goal that no child should experience pain or anxiety when exposed to medical procedures.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Efficacy of open-label counterconditioning for reducing nocebo effects on pressure pain.
Nocebo effects can adversely affect the experience of physical symptoms, such as pain and itch. Nocebo effects on itch and pain have shown to be induced by conditioning with thermal heat stimuli and reduced by counterconditioning. However, open-label counterconditioning, in which participants are informed about the placebo content of the treatment, has not been investigated, while this can be highly relevant for clinical practice. Furthermore, (open-label) conditioning and counterconditioning has not been investigated for pain modalities relevant to musculoskeletal disorders, such as pressure pain. ⋯ Few studies have investigated the efficacy counterconditioning to reduce nocebo effects. Whereas typically deceptive procedures are used, these are not ethically appropriate for use in clinical practice. The current study demonstrates that open-label counterconditioning in a pain modality relevant for many chronic pain conditions may be a promising new strategy for reducing nocebo effects in a non-deceptive and ethical manner, which provides promise in designing learning-based treatments to reduce nocebo effects in patients with chronic pain disorders.
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The aim of this systematic review was to appraise and analyse the knowledge on bone-related biochemical and histological biomarkers in complex regional pain syndrome 1 (CRPS 1). ⋯ The limited data reviewed revealed certain potential bone-related biomarkers in CRPS. Biomarkers hold the potential to identify patients who may benefit from treatments that influence bone turnover. Thus, this review identifies important areas for future research in CRPS1 patients.
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Ultrasound-Guided Percutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation versus Surgery for Women with Unilateral Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: A Randomized Parallel-group Trial.
The aim of this clinical trial was to compare the outcomes of the application of ultrasound-guided percutaneous nerve stimulation (PENS) targeting the median nerve versus surgery for improving pain and function in women with CTS. ⋯ The application of percutaneous nerve stimulation was more effective at short-term, but similar effective at mid and long-term, than surgery in women with carpal tunnel syndrome.
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Prolonged opioid use (more than 90 days) after injury puts the patient at risk for adverse effects. We investigated the patterns of opioid prescription after distal radius fracture and the effect of pre- and post-fracture factors on the risk for prolonged use. ⋯ We show that a common injury such as distal radius fracture can be a gateway to prolonged opioid use, especially among patients with previous history of opioid use or mental illness. Importantly, previous opioid use as far back as 5 years earlier greatly increases the risk of regular use after the reintroduction of opioids. Considering past use is important when planning treatment with opioids. Occupational or physical therapy after injury is associated with lower risk of prolonged use and should be encouraged.