Background/Purpose: Musculoskeletal disorders are a leading cause of disability worldwide, with low back pain being one of the primary causes. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that chronic musculoskeletal pain affects 20-33% of the global population, which amounts to a staggering 1.75 billion people. Chronic pain is often accompanied by persistent fatigue, a common complaint among individuals with musculoskeletal disorders such as osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and low back pain. Stiffness is also a debilitating symptom that affects about half of those with chronic pain and musculoskeletal disorders. While medications can provide symptomatic relief to these conditions, non-pharmacological approaches reduce reliance on medications and address the underlying causes of musculoskeletal disorders. To optimize the quality of life of individuals with musculoskeletal disorders, the Education Institute at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) implemented non-pharmacological interventions.

Methods: These non-pharmacological interventions include 6-week virtual exercise classes, which encompass a variety of activities such as Pilates, Yoga, T’ai Chi Chih, mindfulness-based therapy, and relaxation techniques. These exercises are designed to be low-intensity, performed safely at home, and tailored to accommodate participants’ diverse mobility levels. The virtual classes are led by certified instructors who specialize in working with individuals affected by musculoskeletal disorders. Moreover, these interventions are accessible to patients and the public using Zoom and phone as the platforms for delivery. Program effectiveness is measured using pre/post-online surveys assessing pain intensity, pain interference with seven aspects of daily living (ADL), stiffness, and fatigue. A longitudinal analysis is conducted using regression models.

Results: Since 2020, 366 participants have participated in our non-pharmacological interventions. Of those assessed (n=190), 70 participants self-reported having at least one musculoskeletal condition. Most were females (98%), ages ≥60 years (90%), Caucasian (91%), and non-Hispanic (98%). For every 6-week virtual physical activity program, participants reporting at least one musculoskeletal condition experienced statistically significant decreases in pain intensity (p≤0.01), stiffness (p≤0.01), and fatigue (p≤0.05). Decreased pain interference with seven ADL were seen but not at statistically significant levels. Also, most participants reported gaining knowledge (93%) and self-management skills (90%) to manage their condition.

Conclusion: Our findings support the benefits of non-pharmacological approaches in managing musculoskeletal disorders and their debilitating symptoms, offering a comprehensive approach that empowers individuals and promotes quality of life. Future research is needed in longitudinal studies to assess these interventions’ sustainable benefits and long-term functional outcomes and examine the challenges and strategies for implementing these approaches within various healthcare settings, including community-based programs, which would help bridge the gap between research and practice.

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ACR Meeting Abstracts - https://acrabstracts.org/abstract/a-longitudinal-study-the-benefits-of-non-pharmacological-approaches-to-improve-self-reported-pain-stiffness-and-fatigue-in-individuals-with-musculoskeletal-disorders/