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Exploring pain interference with motor skill learning in humans: a protocol for a systematic review
David Matthews1, Edith Elgueta Cancino2, Deborah Falla2
1Centre of Precision Rehabilitation for Spinal Pain (CPR Spine), School of Sport, Exercise and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK dxm986@student.bham.ac.uk.
BMJ Open
|July 17, 2021
Summary
This systematic review examines how pain impacts motor skill learning. Understanding this relationship is crucial for optimizing rehabilitation strategies for individuals experiencing pain.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Science
- Pain Research
Background:
- Motor skill learning is fundamental for daily function.
- Pain can interfere with cognitive processes, potentially affecting motor learning.
- Current rehabilitation practices utilize motor skill learning, but its efficacy in the presence of pain is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the existing literature on the impact of pain on motor skill learning.
- To synthesize evidence regarding how pain influences the acquisition and retention of new motor skills.
- To inform clinical practice and future research directions in pain rehabilitation.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review protocol adhering to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis Protocols (PRISMA) guidelines.
- Comprehensive literature search across multiple databases (Web of Science, Scopus, MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL), key journals, and grey literature up to March 2021.
- Data extraction and risk of bias assessment conducted by two independent reviewers; synthesis of behavioral and plasticity-based motor learning outcomes; quality of evidence assessed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE).
Main Results:
- The review synthesizes findings on motor learning outcomes in the presence of pain.
- Analysis includes both behavioral measures and activity-dependent plasticity indicators of motor learning.
- Evidence quality is systematically evaluated to determine the reliability of findings.
Conclusions:
- The findings will elucidate the complex interplay between pain and motor skill learning.
- Results aim to guide clinicians in tailoring motor learning interventions for individuals with pain.
- This review contributes to a better understanding of pain's influence on motor rehabilitation.
