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Physiotherapy for functional (psychogenic) motor symptoms: a systematic review
Glenn Nielsen1, Jon Stone, Mark J Edwards
1Therapy Services, National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, UK. glenn.nielsen@uclh.nhs.uk
Journal of Psychosomatic Research
|August 7, 2013
Summary
Physiotherapy may benefit patients with functional motor symptoms (FMS), though evidence quality is low. This review of FMS interventions suggests potential positive effects for future research.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Physical Therapy
Background:
- Functional motor symptoms (FMS), also known as psychogenic or non-organic motor symptoms, are a significant cause of disability.
- Patients with FMS frequently receive physiotherapy, but its efficacy remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review existing literature on physiotherapy interventions for patients diagnosed with functional motor symptoms.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of databases and reference searches was conducted for studies published from 1950 to September 2012.
- Included studies comprised one controlled trial and 28 case series or reports, totaling 373 patients.
Main Results:
- Physiotherapy was often part of multidisciplinary care, emphasizing motor learning approaches.
- Novel interventions included distraction techniques and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS).
- Most studies reported positive outcomes from physical treatments, with some demonstrating long-term benefits.
Conclusions:
- While data guiding physiotherapy for FMS is limited and of low quality, it indicates potential positive effects.
- The findings provide a foundation for developing and testing new physiotherapy interventions for FMS.
