The impact of biofeedback in enhancing chronic pain rehabilitation: A systematic review of mechanisms and outcomes.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Chronic pain (CP), affecting approximately 20 % of adults globally, imposes a profound burden on individuals and healthcare systems. This condition, characterized by persistent pain, muscle stiffness, and emotional distress, often results in a complex interplay of physical and psychological factors that exacerbate symptoms and hinder recovery. Biofeedback (BFB), a non-invasive intervention, offers a promising rehabilitation strategy by enabling individuals to monitor and self-regulate physiological responses, such as muscle tension, heart rate, and skin temperature. Through this process, BFB disrupts the vicious cycle of pain and stress, fostering relaxation, reducing muscle strain, and alleviating emotional distress. This systematic review aimed to examine the mechanisms underlying BFB's therapeutic effects in CP rehabilitation, specifically its ability to enhance self-regulation and promote relaxation to improve pain control. Furthermore, it aimed to evaluate the impact of BFB on key outcomes, including pain severity, functional capabilities, and quality of life, with the goal of guiding its integration into contemporary rehabilitation practices.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase (2014-2024) to identify studies on BFB for CP. Inclusion criteria included original research involving BFB as a primary or secondary intervention for CP, with outcomes related to pain management and rehabilitation. This review is registered on Open OSF (X5HPB).

RESULTS

BFB has shown consistent efficacy as a complementary therapy in CP management, offering significant reductions in pain intensity and enhancements in quality of life across diverse CP conditions. Mechanistically, BFB facilitates improved self-regulation by training patients to modulate physiological responses, such as muscle tension and heart rate variability, leading to better pain control and stress reduction.

CONCLUSIONS

BFB shows significant promise as a supplementary treatment for different CP disorders. The evidence that was examined shows that it is effective in improving how pain is perceived, increasing functional results, and boosting overall quality of life among a variety of patient groups.