Effects of Biopsychosocial Models Based on Pain or Functionality in the Treatment of Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain

Summary

The objective of this study is to evaluate whether a functionality-centered biopsychosocial model can improve clinical outcomes in the care of individuals with chronic musculoskeletal pain treated in a specialized healthcare service. The main questions it aims to answer are:

Does the functionality-centered biopsychosocial model lead to a greater reduction in pain intensity compared to the pain-centered biopsychosocial model?

Does the functionality-centered biopsychosocial model lead to greater improvement in functionality and performance of daily activities in individuals with chronic pain?

Researchers will compare individuals treated using a functionality-centered biopsychosocial model with individuals treated using a pain-centered biopsychosocial model to determine whether the functionality-centered model results in better clinical outcomes and greater treatment adherence.

Participants will:

Attend weekly interdisciplinary appointments in a specialized chronic pain service for approximately 3 months.

Undergo clinical assessments recorded in their medical records, including measures of pain intensity, pain interference, and functional status.

Participate in interdisciplinary therapeutic interventions based on the biopsychosocial model, which may include pain neuroscience education, therapeutic exercises, behavioral strategies, and the establishment of functional goals.

Conditions

• Chronic Pain

Interventions

OTHER

Pain-Centered Biopsychosocial Model

Participants receive a biopsychosocial intervention centered on pain. The process begins with a comprehensive pain-focused assessment, including pain intensity, location, frequency, and psychosocial factors (e.g., fear of movement, catastrophizing, anxiety, depression, and sleep quality). Based on this evaluation, treatment goals are collaboratively defined with emphasis on pain reduction and pain-related outcomes. Participants receive Pain Neuroscience Education and an individualized treatment plan developed by an interdisciplinary team.

OTHER

Functionality-Centered Biopsychosocial Model Group

Participants receive a biopsychosocial intervention centered on functionality. After a comprehensive assessment, including measures of disability and quality of life, the most affected functional domains are identified using WHODAS 2.0. These domains guide the establishment of individualized SMART goals in collaboration with the patient. The interdisciplinary team develops a personalized treatment plan targeting improvement in functional performance and participation in daily activities. Pain Neuroscience Education is also included as part of the intervention, integrated according to the patient's needs.

Sponsors & Collaborators

• Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo

  collaborator OTHER_GOV

• Universidade Federal de Sao Carlos

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

NONE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2026-04-30

Primary Completion

2026-06-30

Completion

2026-12-31