Interdisciplinary Multimodal Pain Therapy for chronic musculoskeletal pain in a day clinic setting: Examining patient-reported and performance-based correlates of treatment outcomes

Objectives The aim of this single-arm pre-post intervention study was to evaluate an interdisciplinary multimodal pain therapy (IMPT) in a day clinic for people with chronic musculoskeletal pain under routine care conditions. Primary objectives included assessing changes in pain intensity and pain-related disability and examining theory- and evidence-based correlates of these treatment outcomes, such as parameters of mental and physical health. Methods A cohort of n  = 308 patients underwent a four-week IMPT, which included exercise, manual therapy, and cognitive behavioural therapy. Pain intensity and disability (CPG), well-being (FW-7), mental and physical health (VR-12), depressive symptoms, anxiety, and stress (DASS) were assessed using self-report questionnaires before and six months after the IMPT was completed. Physical function was assessed using performance-based measures including the stair climb test, the MFT-S3-Check and the prone bridge test before and after treatment. Data were analysed using dependent samples t -tests and multiple linear regressions. Results Six months post-treatment, patients showed reductions in pain intensity ( d  = .95) and disability ( d  = .75). Reductions in depression, anxiety, and stress,well-being, mental and physical health, and physical function were also observed, with small to large effect sizes. Regression analysis showed that improvements in self-reported well-being and physical health were associated with changes in pain. However, this was not the case for changes in performance-based physical function or changes psychological risk factors (i.e., depressive symptoms, anxiety, stress). Discussion The results indicate that individuals with chronic pain experienced sustained benefits from IMPT for up to six months following treatment completon. The findings highlight the role of changes in self-reported well-being and physical health in reducing pain. The investigation of psychosocial and behavioural mechanisms is an important avenue for future studies.