Tai Chi for Improving Chronic Primary Musculoskeletal Pain: Protocol for a Systematic Review

Area of Science:

• Pain Management
• Integrative Medicine
• Systematic Review

Background:

• Chronic primary musculoskeletal pain (CPMP) poses significant physical, psychological, and economic challenges.
• Current pharmacological treatments for CPMP are often unsatisfactory due to side effects and misuse potential.
• Non-pharmacological therapies, including Tai Chi, are increasingly explored for pain management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and assess the effectiveness and safety of Tai Chi for patients with chronic primary musculoskeletal pain.
• To synthesize evidence from clinical trials on Tai Chi's impact on pain intensity and related outcomes.
• To provide a comprehensive overview of Tai Chi's therapeutic potential in CPMP management.

Main Methods:

• A systematic search of multiple electronic databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, etc.) was conducted up to May 31, 2021.
• Included studies compared Tai Chi interventions with other management strategies for CPMP.
• Primary outcome was pain intensity (VAS/NRS); secondary outcomes included anxiety, depression, quality of life, sleep quality, and adverse effects. Risk of bias was assessed using Cochrane methods.

Main Results:

• Data synthesis and analysis are pending completion of the systematic review.
• The review aims to quantify the effect of Tai Chi on pain reduction in CPMP patients.
• Safety and adverse event profiles associated with Tai Chi interventions will be detailed.

Conclusions:

• The findings will clarify the efficacy and safety of Tai Chi as a non-pharmacological treatment for chronic primary musculoskeletal pain.
• This review will inform clinical practice and guide future research in Tai Chi for pain management.
• Evidence-based recommendations regarding Tai Chi's role in CPMP treatment will be provided.