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MacLean RR, Shor R, Reilly ED, Reuman L, Solar C, Halat AM, Higgins DM. Engagement in Digital Self-management Interventions for Chronic Pain: A Systematic Review. Clin J Pain 2025; 41:e1289. [PMID: 40145149 DOI: 10.1097/ajp.0000000000001289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2025] [Indexed: 03/28/2025]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Digital interventions promise to increase access to non-pharmacological chronic pain treatment and reduce burden for both individuals seeking care and pain providers/clinics. Unfortunately, despite early evidence of efficacy, engagement in self-management digital interventions for chronic conditions is typically low. A comprehensive analysis into how engagement in these programs is measured and reported is warranted. The current systematic review evaluated engagement in digital self-management interventions for chronic pain and identified gaps to improve reporting of engagement data. METHODS We conducted a pre-registered systematic review using Boolean search terms to identify digital chronic pain self-management interventions that did not include clinician support. After removal of duplicates and screening, 150 full-text manuscripts were assessed, and 43 studies met inclusion criteria. Data was extracted and examined from included manuscripts. RESULTS Of the 43 included articles, five articles were based on 2 separate datasets, resulting in a final sample of 41 unique datasets representing 4205 participants that were mostly non-Hispanic White, female, and with at least some college education. Approximately 10% of studies did not report any data related to system use or self-reported engagement. Most engagement data consisted of mean system use variables, with a handful of studies describing self-reported use of skills and very few studies examining demographic variables associated with engagement. DISCUSSION To address identified gaps in the reviewed literature, we suggest guidelines for collecting and reporting engagement in digital chronic pain interventions. Consistent reporting of engagement data will improve evaluation, efficacy, and improvement of interventions designed to assist individuals who may otherwise not receive non-pharmacological pain treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Ross MacLean
- VISN1 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT
| | - Rachel Shor
- Department of Psychiatry, Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, Inc., Bethesda, MD
| | - Erin D Reilly
- VISN1 Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Bedford Healthcare System, Bedford
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester
| | | | | | - Allison M Halat
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA
| | - Diana M Higgins
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA
- VA Durham Healthcare System, Durham, NC
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Barth J, Schläpfer S, Schneider F, Santhanam P, Kowatsch T, Heinz P, Held U, Eicher M, Witt CM. Mobile health intervention CanRelax reduces distress in people with cancer in a randomized controlled trial. NPJ Digit Med 2025; 8:269. [PMID: 40348854 PMCID: PMC12065826 DOI: 10.1038/s41746-025-01688-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2025] [Indexed: 05/14/2025] Open
Abstract
Mindfulness and relaxation exercises are effective face-to-face interventions for reducing distress in people with cancer. Their effectiveness in mobile health settings has yet to be investigated. This study evaluated the effectiveness of the CanRelax 2 app in reducing distress in people with cancer. German-speaking adults diagnosed with cancer within the last five years with elevated distress levels (Distress Thermometer ≥5) were recruited. Participants were randomized to the CanRelax 2 app or a waitlist control group. The primary endpoint was the Patient Health Questionnaire Anxiety and Depression Scale (PHQ-ADS) after 10 weeks (210 participants). We observed a clinically meaningful larger reduction in PHQ-ADS scores in the intervention group compared to the control group (-3.7, 95%-CI from -5.7 to -1.6; p = 0.0005). Similar effects were found for distress, well-being, and self-regulation. Our results confirm the effectiveness of a mobile health app in reducing distress in people with cancer. Registration: German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00027546) on 23.02.2022.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jürgen Barth
- Institute for Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Sonja Schläpfer
- Institute for Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Tobias Kowatsch
- Centre for Digital Health Interventions, Department of Management, Technology, and Economics, ETH Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute for Implementation Science in Health Care, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- School of Medicine, University of St. Gallen, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Priska Heinz
- Department of Biostatistics at the Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ulrike Held
- Department of Biostatistics at the Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Prevention Institute, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Manuela Eicher
- IUFRS Institute of Higher Education and Research in Healthcare, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne and Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Department of Oncology, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Claudia M Witt
- Institute for Complementary and Integrative Medicine, University Hospital Zurich and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Institute of Social Medicine, Epidemiology and Health Economics, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
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Xie X, Wang H, Gao X, Chen H, Zhou L. Efficacy of mHealth in Patients With Chronic Neck Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Pain Manag Nurs 2025:S1524-9042(25)00128-6. [PMID: 40148143 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmn.2025.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2024] [Revised: 01/19/2025] [Accepted: 03/01/2025] [Indexed: 03/29/2025]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To assess the efficacy of mobile health-based interventions for alleviating symptoms of chronic neck pain in patients. METHODS A systematic search was conducted in databases, including the China National Knowledge Infrastructure, VIP, Wanfang, Chinese Biomedical Databases, PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) regarding support provided to patients with chronic neck pain using mobile health interventions from database inception to March 2024. Two researchers independently screened the literature and evaluated the quality using the Cochrane Handbook 5.1 risk of bias assessment tool. Statistical analyses were performed using RevMan 5.2, and the quality of evidence was assessed according to the GRADE criteria. RESULTS Ten RCTs comprising 825 participants were included. A meta-analysis indicated that mobile health interventions were more effective than other physical therapies for reducing pain (short-term: SMD = -0.76, [95% CI -1.50, -0.02], p = .04; mid-term: SMD = -0.48, [95% CI -0.78, -0.18], p < .01), although there was no significant difference for improving neck disability status (short-term: MD = -6.74, [95% CI -13.65, 0.17], p = .06; mid-term: SMD = -2.26 [95% CI -6.71, 2.20], p = .32). Compared to minimal intervention, mobile health interventions were more effective in reducing pain (short-term: SMD = -1.16, [95% CI -1.70, -0.63], p < .001) and improving neck disability status (short-term: MD = -7.88, [95% CI -12.27, -3.13], p < .001). CONCLUSIONS Mobile health-based interventions positively affected the predictive outcomes for patients with chronic neck pain, reduced pain levels, and improved neck disability. Further research is needed to demonstrate their benefits for reducing fear of pain and improving quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Xie
- Department of Nursing, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Nursing, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China; Department of Anesthesiology, 73rd Group Military Hospital of the PLA Army, Xiamen Fujian 361000, China
| | - Xue Gao
- Department of Nursing, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hualiang Chen
- College of Basic Medicine, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lingjun Zhou
- Department of Nursing, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China.
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Van Oirschot G, Pomphrey A, Dunne C, Murphy K, Blood K, Doherty C. An Evaluation of the Design of Multimedia Patient Education Materials in Musculoskeletal Health Care: Systematic Review. JMIR Rehabil Assist Technol 2024; 11:e48154. [PMID: 39162239 PMCID: PMC11522670 DOI: 10.2196/48154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Educational multimedia is a cost-effective and straightforward way to administer large-scale information interventions to patient populations in musculoskeletal health care. While an abundance of health research informs the content of these interventions, less guidance exists about optimizing their design. OBJECTIVE This study aims to identify randomized controlled trials of patient populations with musculoskeletal conditions that used multimedia-based patient educational materials (PEMs) and examine how design was reported and impacted patients' knowledge and rehabilitation outcomes. Design was evaluated using principles from the cognitive theory of multimedia learning (CTML). METHODS PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, and Embase were searched from inception to September 2023 for studies examining adult patients with musculoskeletal conditions receiving multimedia PEMs compared to any other interventions. The primary outcome was knowledge retention measured via test scores. Secondary outcomes were any patient-reported measures. Retrievability was noted, and PEMs were sourced through search, purchase, and author communication. RESULTS A total of 160 randomized controlled trials were eligible for inclusion: 13 (8.1%) included their educational materials and 31 (19.4%) required a web search, purchase, or direct requests for educational materials. Of these 44 (27.5%) studies, none fully optimized the design of their educational materials, particularly lacking in the CTML principles of coherence, redundancy, modality, and generative activities for the learner. Of the 160 studies, the remaining 116 (72.5%) contained interventions that could not be retrieved or appraised. Learning was evaluated in 5 (3.1%) studies. CONCLUSIONS Musculoskeletal studies should use open science principles and provide their PEMs wherever possible. The link between providing multimedia PEMs and patient learning is largely unexamined, but engagement potential may be maximized when considering design principles such as the CTML.
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Affiliation(s)
- Garett Van Oirschot
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy & Sport Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Insight SFI Research Centre for Data Analytics, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Amanda Pomphrey
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy & Sport Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Caoimhe Dunne
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy & Sport Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kate Murphy
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy & Sport Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Karina Blood
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy & Sport Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Cailbhe Doherty
- School of Public Health, Physiotherapy & Sport Science, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Insight SFI Research Centre for Data Analytics, Dublin, Ireland
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Weatherly S, McKenna T, Wahba S, Friedman A, Goltry W, Wahid T, Abourahma H, Lee K, Rehman A, Odeh A, Costin J. Effectiveness of Digital Health Interventions (DHI) in Chronic Pain Management: A Scoping Review of Current Evidence and Emerging Trends. Cureus 2024; 16:e72562. [PMID: 39610577 PMCID: PMC11602419 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.72562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2024] [Accepted: 10/28/2024] [Indexed: 11/30/2024] Open
Abstract
This review aims to address the impact of digital health interventions (DHIs) on chronic pain management, specifically, mHealth, eHealth, wearable devices, virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence. The following study identifies and assesses DHIs' efficacy in specific chronic pain conditions and then extrapolates improved outcomes and patient groups that benefit from their use. Using a systematic methodology, this review synthesizes findings that could improve knowledge for patients and practitioners in chronic pain management while also addressing gaps in understanding the impact of DHIs. Sub-questions guide the identification of gaps and recommendations assessing DHIs' effectiveness for pain reduction and improved quality of life. A systematic search across databases (EMBASE, Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Sciences, Cochrane Central) targets original, English-language, peer-reviewed studies (2013-2023). The inclusion criteria cover DHIs in chronic pain management for adults age 18+, excluding non-full texts, reviews, opinion pieces, or unrelated articles. Search terms include "chronic pain management" OR "long-term pain relief strategies" OR "sustained pain alleviation" OR "pain control for chronic conditions" OR "chronic pain" AND "ehealth interventions" OR "mobile health interventions" OR "digital therapy" OR "health informatic solutions" OR "digital health intervention." After applying inclusion criteria, 34 articles from 11 countries are included, with studies conducted primarily in the United States (n = 17), United Kingdom (n = 4), and Australia (n = 3). DHIs are emerging as effective tools in pain management, as they can emphasize patient autonomy and communication with clinicians while enabling medical self-management in diverse populations. These various digital interventions show promise in reducing pharmaceutical usage and deferring surgical procedures, with most studies reporting positive outcomes in pain reduction. DHIs were also associated with positive mental health outcomes; however, some studies found no significant improvement. Additionally, interventions targeting pain catastrophizing showed varied results, with some app-based approaches demonstrating promise. Overall, the review underscores the potential of DHIs in improving chronic pain management outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shannon Weatherly
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Tara McKenna
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Simon Wahba
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Arielle Friedman
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Wesley Goltry
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Talha Wahid
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Hussein Abourahma
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Kenneth Lee
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Ahmed Rehman
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Ali Odeh
- Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, USA
| | - Joshua Costin
- Department of Medical Education, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, USA
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Shi JLH, Sit RWS. Impact of 25 Years of Mobile Health Tools for Pain Management in Patients With Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: Systematic Review. J Med Internet Res 2024; 26:e59358. [PMID: 39150748 PMCID: PMC11364951 DOI: 10.2196/59358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mobile technologies are increasingly being used in health care and public health practice for patient communication, monitoring, and education. Mobile health (mHealth) tools have also been used to facilitate adherence to chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMP) management, which is critical to achieving improved pain outcomes, quality of life, and cost-effective health care. OBJECTIVE The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate the 25-year trend of the literature on the adherence, usability, feasibility, and acceptability of mHealth interventions in CMP management among patients and health care providers. METHODS We searched the PubMed, Cochrane CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Web of Science databases for studies assessing the role of mHealth in CMP management from January 1999 to December 2023. Outcomes of interest included the effect of mHealth interventions on patient adherence; pain-specific clinical outcomes after the intervention; and the usability, feasibility, and acceptability of mHealth tools and platforms in chronic pain management among target end users. RESULTS A total of 89 articles (26,429 participants) were included in the systematic review. Mobile apps were the most commonly used mHealth tools (78/89, 88%) among the included studies, followed by mobile app plus monitor (5/89, 6%), mobile app plus wearable sensor (4/89, 4%), and web-based mobile app plus monitor (1/89, 1%). Usability, feasibility, and acceptability or patient preferences for mHealth interventions were assessed in 26% (23/89) of the studies and observed to be generally high. Overall, 30% (27/89) of the studies used a randomized controlled trial (RCT), cohort, or pilot design to assess the impact of the mHealth intervention on patients' adherence, with significant improvements (all P<.05) observed in 93% (25/27) of these studies. Significant (judged at P<.05) between-group differences were reported in 27 of the 29 (93%) RCTs that measured the effect of mHealth on CMP-specific clinical outcomes. CONCLUSIONS There is great potential for mHealth tools to better facilitate adherence to CMP management, and the current evidence supporting their effectiveness is generally high. Further research should focus on the cost-effectiveness of mHealth interventions for better incorporating these tools into health care practices. TRIAL REGISTRATION International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) CRD42024524634; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=524634.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jenny Lin-Hong Shi
- Department of Medicine, Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Regina Wing-Shan Sit
- Department of Medicine, Jockey Club School of Public Health and Primary Care, Prince of Wales Hospital, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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Valenza-Peña G, Calvache-Mateo A, Valenza MC, Granados-Santiago M, Raya-Benítez J, Cabrera-Martos I, Díaz-Mohedo E. Effects of Telerehabilitation on Pain and Disability in Patients with Chronic Neck Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:796. [PMID: 38610217 PMCID: PMC11012007 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12070796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: This systematic review and meta-analysis explores the effectiveness of telerehabilitation in patients suffering from chronic neck pain, specifically on pain and disability. The research delves into an area of growing significance within the realm of healthcare, aiming to understand the impact of digital interventions on the rehabilitation process for individuals with prolonged neck pain. (2) Methods: The comprehensive review encompasses a wide array of studies evaluating the collective outcomes of numerous trials focused on telerehabilitation strategies. In this systematic review, PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched to identify studies on telerehabilitation's impact on pain. (3) Results: Eight studies met the inclusion criteria. Using the Downs and Black quality assessment, three studies were classified as good and five as fair. The authors identify specific modalities within telerehabilitation, such as remote exercise programs and virtual consultations, that contribute significantly to positive patient outcomes. Meta-analysis indicated a significant overall effect of telerehabilitation on pain reduction (MD = -1.27; 95% CI = -2.06; -0.47; p = 0.002). These findings support telerehabilitation's efficacy in pain management. (4) Conclusions: The synthesis of evidence presented in this systematic review and meta-analysis underscores the potential of telerehabilitation as an effective and accessible means of managing chronic neck pain, offering valuable insights for both healthcare practitioners and policymakers in advancing patient-centered care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geraldine Valenza-Peña
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, 60 Av. Ilustración, 18016 Granada, Spain; (G.V.-P.); (A.C.-M.); (I.C.-M.)
| | - Andrés Calvache-Mateo
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, 60 Av. Ilustración, 18016 Granada, Spain; (G.V.-P.); (A.C.-M.); (I.C.-M.)
| | - Marie Carmen Valenza
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, 60 Av. Ilustración, 18016 Granada, Spain; (G.V.-P.); (A.C.-M.); (I.C.-M.)
| | - María Granados-Santiago
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, 60 Av. Ilustración, 18016 Granada, Spain; (M.G.-S.); (J.R.-B.)
| | - Julia Raya-Benítez
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, 60 Av. Ilustración, 18016 Granada, Spain; (M.G.-S.); (J.R.-B.)
| | - Irene Cabrera-Martos
- Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Granada, 60 Av. Ilustración, 18016 Granada, Spain; (G.V.-P.); (A.C.-M.); (I.C.-M.)
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Zou H, Lu Z, Zhao P, Wang J, Wang R. Efficacy of telerehabilitation in patients with nonspecific neck pain: A meta-analysis. J Telemed Telecare 2024:1357633X241235982. [PMID: 38425292 DOI: 10.1177/1357633x241235982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION At a rate of more than 30% annually, neck pain is a very prevalent musculoskeletal ailment that is second only to low back pain as the most common cause of disability. Most occurrences of neck pain are nonspecific. Telerehabilitation is regarded as a potentially effective healthcare approach in this setting. This review aims to evaluate how a telerehabilitation-based intervention affected individuals with nonspecific neck pain (NNP) in terms of pain and disability. METHODS PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase, MEDLINE, Cochrane library, ClinicalTrials.gov, CNKI, and WanFang were consulted from inception to September 2023, with the inclusion of randomized controlled trials only. The experimental data were meta-analyzed using RevMan 5.3. RESULTS The meta-analysis contained eight studies; there was no significant difference in pain improvement in patients with NNP by telerehabilitation compared to conventional care (SMD = -0.10, 95% CI: -0.48 to 0.28), but there was a significant effect on disability improvement (SMD = -0.41, 95% CI: -0.78 to -0.03). Telerehabilitation demonstrated more significant improvements in pain (SMD = -1.16, 95% CI: -1.99 to -0.32) and disability (MD = -3.78, 95% CI: -5.29 to -2.27) compared to minimal or no intervention. DISCUSSION This study emphasizes the potential benefits of employing telerehabilitation in patients with NNP, especially in reducing pain intensity and improving disability. But additional study is required to fully grasp the potential of telerehabilitation in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Zou
- Sports Rehabilitation Research Center, China Institute of Sport Science, Beijing, China
- College of Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhoupeng Lu
- Sports Rehabilitation Research Center, China Institute of Sport Science, Beijing, China
- College of Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Zhao
- Sports Rehabilitation Research Center, China Institute of Sport Science, Beijing, China
| | - Jialin Wang
- Sports Rehabilitation Research Center, China Institute of Sport Science, Beijing, China
| | - Ruirui Wang
- Sports Rehabilitation Research Center, China Institute of Sport Science, Beijing, China
- College of Sports Medicine and Physical Therapy, Beijing Sport University, Beijing, China
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Mitchaï PM, Mapinduzi J, Verbrugghe J, Michiels S, Janssens L, Kossi O, Bonnechère B, Timmermans A. Mobile technologies for rehabilitation in non-specific spinal disorders: a systematic review of the efficacy and potential for implementation in low- and middle-income countries. EUROPEAN SPINE JOURNAL : OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE EUROPEAN SPINE SOCIETY, THE EUROPEAN SPINAL DEFORMITY SOCIETY, AND THE EUROPEAN SECTION OF THE CERVICAL SPINE RESEARCH SOCIETY 2023; 32:4077-4100. [PMID: 37794182 DOI: 10.1007/s00586-023-07964-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The aim of this systematic review was primarily to identify the types of mHealth technologies for the rehabilitation of non-specific spinal disorders, second to evaluate their efficacy, and finally to determine their applicability in LMICs. METHODS Three databases (Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science) were searched for randomized controlled trials and clinical trials from January 2012 until December 2022. Studies were found eligible when using mHealth technologies for the rehabilitation of non-specific spinal disorders. To evaluate efficacy, the primary outcome was pain intensity, and the secondary outcomes were disability and quality of life. To evaluate the applicability in LMICs, information about financial and geographical accessibility, offline usability, and languages was extracted. RESULTS Fifteen studies were included comprising 1828 participants who suffer from non-specific low back pain (86.05%) and non-specific neck pain (13.95%). Fourteen distinct smartphone-based interventions and two sensor system interventions were found, with a duration ranging from four weeks to six months. All mHealth interventions demonstrated efficacy for the improvement of pain, disability and quality of life in non-specific spinal disorders, particularly low back pain. Five of the evaluated smartphone applications were free of charge accessible and had language features that could be adapted for use in LMICs. CONCLUSION mHealth interventions can be used and integrated into the conventional treatment of non-specific spinal disorders in rehabilitation. They have demonstrated efficacy and could be implemented in LMICs with minor adaptations to overcome language barriers and the absolute necessity of the internet.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pénielle Mahutchegnon Mitchaï
- REVAL, Rehabilitation Research Center, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
- ENATSE, National School of Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Parakou, 03 BP 10, Parakou, Benin
| | - Jean Mapinduzi
- REVAL, Rehabilitation Research Center, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
- Department of Physiotherapy, National Institute of Public Health, University of Bujumbura, Bujumbura, Burundi
| | - Jonas Verbrugghe
- REVAL, Rehabilitation Research Center, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Sarah Michiels
- REVAL, Rehabilitation Research Center, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Lotte Janssens
- REVAL, Rehabilitation Research Center, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Oyéné Kossi
- REVAL, Rehabilitation Research Center, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium.
- ENATSE, National School of Public Health and Epidemiology, University of Parakou, 03 BP 10, Parakou, Benin.
- Unit of Neurology and NeuroRehabilitation, University Hospital of Parakou, Parakou, Benin.
| | - Bruno Bonnechère
- REVAL, Rehabilitation Research Center, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
- Technology-Supported and Data-Driven Rehabilitation, Data Sciences Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Annick Timmermans
- REVAL, Rehabilitation Research Center, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
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10
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Özden F, Özkeskin M, Tümtürk İ, Yalın Kılınç C. The effect of exercise and education combination via telerehabilitation in patients with chronic neck pain: A randomized controlled trial. Int J Med Inform 2023; 180:105281. [PMID: 37924590 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijmedinf.2023.105281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A limited number of studies have investigated the effect of telerehabilitation in individuals with chronic neck pain (CNP). OBJECTIVE The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of holistic exercise and education combination via telerehabilitation on pain, disability, kinesiophobia, exercise adherence, quality of life and patient satisfaction in individuals with CNP. METHODS A two-armed, randomized controlled study was conducted with 40 participants with CNP. Patients were randomized into two groups: Telerehabilitation (TR) (n = 20) and Standard Rehabilitation (SR) (n = 20). The TR group was provided with exercise and education videos online. The same protocol was given to the SR group in the clinical setting. Patients were evaluated at baseline and after eight weeks of intervention. Satisfaction and usability levels of the TR group were assessed at week 8. RESULTS TR group demonstrated better improvement in function, quality of life (including bodily pain, general health, social function), kinesiophobia and exercise adherence. The TR group was not superior to the SR group in pain and other quality-of-life subscores. A vast majority of the TR group had high satisfaction and usability. CONCLUSION Comprehensive rehabilitation via TR increases satisfaction and participation in patients with CNP. Besides, TR provides more positive effects on function and kinesiophobia. Further studies should focus on the impact of telerehabilitation on pain and quality of life in CNP with a long-term follow-up.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatih Özden
- Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, Köyceğiz Vocational School of Health Services, Department of Health Care Services, Muğla, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Özkeskin
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Ege University, İzmir, Turkey.
| | - İsmet Tümtürk
- Institute of Health Sciences, Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Süleyman Demirel University, İzmir, Turkey
| | - Cem Yalın Kılınç
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Muğla Sıtkı Koçman University, Muğla, Turkey
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Rosser BA, Fisher E, Janjua S, Eccleston C, Keogh E, Duggan G. Psychological therapies delivered remotely for the management of chronic pain (excluding headache) in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023; 8:CD013863. [PMID: 37643992 PMCID: PMC10476013 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd013863.pub2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic pain (pain lasting three months or more) is an unpleasant sensory and emotional experience associated with actual or potential tissue damage. Common types (excluding headache) include back pain, fibromyalgia, and neuropathic pain. Access to traditional face-to-face therapies can be restricted by healthcare resources, geography, and cost. Remote technology-based delivery of psychological therapies has the potential to overcome treatment barriers. However, their therapeutic effectiveness compared to traditional delivery methods requires further investigation. OBJECTIVES To determine the benefits and harms of remotely-delivered psychological therapies compared to active control, waiting list, or treatment as usual for the management of chronic pain in adults. SEARCH METHODS We searched for randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, and PsycINFO to 29 June 2022. We also searched clinical trials registers and reference lists. We conducted a citation search of included trials to identify any further eligible trials. SELECTION CRITERIA We included RCTs in adults (≥ 18 years old) with chronic pain. Interventions included psychological therapies with recognisable psychotherapeutic content or based on psychological theory. Trials had to have delivered therapy remote from the therapist (e.g. Internet, smartphone application) and involve no more than 30% contact time with a clinician. Comparators included treatment as usual (including waiting-list controls) and active controls (e.g. education). DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS We used standard Cochrane methodological procedures. MAIN RESULTS We included 32 trials (4924 participants) in the analyses. Twenty-five studies delivered cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to participants, and seven delivered acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Participants had back pain, musculoskeletal pain, opioid-treated chronic pain, mixed chronic pain, hip or knee osteoarthritis, spinal cord injury, fibromyalgia, provoked vestibulodynia, or rheumatoid arthritis. We assessed 25 studies as having an unclear or high risk of bias for selective reporting. However, across studies overall, risk of bias was generally low. We downgraded evidence certainty for primary outcomes for inconsistency, imprecision, and study limitations. Certainty of evidence ranged from moderate to very low. Adverse events were inadequately reported or recorded across studies. We report results only for studies in CBT here. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) versus treatment as usual (TAU) Pain intensity Immediately after treatment, CBT likely demonstrates a small beneficial effect compared to TAU (standardised mean difference (SMD) -0.28, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.39 to -0.16; 20 studies, 3206 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Participants receiving CBT are probably more likely to achieve a 30% improvement in pain intensity compared to TAU (23% versus 11%; risk ratio (RR) 2.15, 95% CI 1.62 to 2.85; 5 studies, 1347 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). They may also be more likely to achieve a 50% improvement in pain intensity (6% versus 2%; RR 2.31, 95% CI 1.14 to 4.66; 4 studies, 1229 participants), but the evidence is of low certainty. At follow-up, there is likely little to no difference in pain intensity between CBT and TAU (SMD -0.04, 95% CI -0.17 to 0.09; 8 studies, 959 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). The evidence comparing CBT to TAU on achieving a 30% improvement in pain is very uncertain (40% versus 24%; RR 1.70, 95% CI 0.82 to 3.53; 1 study, 69 participants). No evidence was available regarding a 50% improvement in pain. Functional disability Immediately after treatment, CBT may demonstrate a small beneficial improvement compared to TAU (SMD -0.38, 95% CI -0.53 to -0.22; 14 studies, 2672 participants; low-certainty evidence). At follow-up, there is likely little to no difference between treatments (SMD -0.05, 95% CI -0.23 to 0.14; 3 studies, 461 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Quality of life Immediately after treatment, CBT may not have resulted in a beneficial effect on quality of life compared to TAU, but the evidence is very uncertain (SMD -0.16, 95% CI -0.43 to 0.11; 7 studies, 1423 participants). There is likely little to no difference between CBT and TAU on quality of life at follow-up (SMD -0.16, 95% CI -0.37 to 0.05; 3 studies, 352 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). Adverse events Immediately after treatment, evidence about the number of people experiencing adverse events is very uncertain (34% in TAU versus 6% in CBT; RR 6.00, 95% CI 2.2 to 16.40; 1 study, 140 participants). No evidence was available at follow-up. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) versus active control Pain intensity Immediately after treatment, CBT likely demonstrates a small beneficial effect compared to active control (SMD -0.28, 95% CI -0.52 to -0.04; 3 studies, 261 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). The evidence at follow-up is very uncertain (mean difference (MD) 0.50, 95% CI -0.30 to 1.30; 1 study, 127 participants). No evidence was available for a 30% or 50% pain intensity improvement. Functional disability Immediately after treatment, there may be little to no difference between CBT and active control on functional disability (SMD -0.26, 95% CI -0.55 to 0.02; 2 studies, 189 participants; low-certainty evidence). The evidence at follow-up is very uncertain (MD 3.40, 95% CI -1.15 to 7.95; 1 study, 127 participants). Quality of life Immediately after treatment, there is likely little to no difference in CBT and active control (SMD -0.22, 95% CI -1.11 to 0.66; 3 studies, 261 participants; moderate-certainty evidence). The evidence at follow-up is very uncertain (MD 0.00, 95% CI -0.06 to 0.06; 1 study, 127 participants). Adverse events Immediately after treatment, the evidence comparing CBT to active control is very uncertain (2% versus 0%; RR 3.23, 95% CI 0.13 to 77.84; 1 study, 135 participants). No evidence was available at follow-up. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Currently, evidence about remotely-delivered psychological therapies is largely limited to Internet-based delivery of CBT. We found evidence that remotely-delivered CBT has small benefits for pain intensity (moderate certainty) and functional disability (moderate to low certainty) in adults experiencing chronic pain. Benefits were not maintained at follow-up. Our appraisal of quality of life and adverse events outcomes post-treatment were limited by study numbers, evidence certainty, or both. We found limited research (mostly low to very low certainty) exploring other psychological therapies (i.e. ACT). More high-quality studies are needed to assess the broad translatability of psychological therapies to remote delivery, the different delivery technologies, treatment longevity, comparison with active control, and adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Emma Fisher
- Cochrane Pain, Palliative and Supportive Care Group, Pain Research Unit, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Sadia Janjua
- Cochrane Pain, Palliative and Supportive Care Group, Pain Research Unit, Churchill Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Edmund Keogh
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - Geoffrey Duggan
- Bath Centre for Pain Services, Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust, Bath, UK
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Cargnin ZA, Schneider DG, Rosa-Junior JN. Digital self-care in the management of spine musculoskeletal disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Rev Lat Am Enfermagem 2023; 31:e3908. [PMID: 37194893 PMCID: PMC10202228 DOI: 10.1590/1518-8345.6423.3908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
to analyze the effectiveness of digital self-care in the management of pain and functional disability among people with spine musculoskeletal disorders. a systematic literature review, developed with the PRISMA checklist, of randomized clinical trials of people with spine musculoskeletal disorders and digital interventions accessed by means of computers, smartphones or other portable devices. Databases researched: National Library of Medicine, Excerpta Médica dataBASE, SciVerse Scopus, Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde, Science Citation Indexes, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature and Physiotherapy Evidence Database. The descriptive synthesis of the results and by means of meta-analyses (fixed-effects model) was performed with the Review Manager software. The methodological quality was evaluated with the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale. a total of 25 trials were selected (5,142 participants), which showed statistically significant improvements (p <0.05) in 54% (12/22) in the pain levels and 47% (10/21) in functional disability in the Intervention Group. The meta-analyses showed moderate effects on pain intensity and small effects on functional disability. There was a predominance of medium quality studies. the digital care interventions showed a beneficial result in pain intensity and in functional disability, mainly for chronic low back pain. Digital care emerges as promising to support self-management of the spine musculoskeletal conditions. PROSPERO registry number CRD42021282102.
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13
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SIVERO S, MALDONATO NM, CHINI A, MAIONE R, VITALE R, VOLPE S, SICILIANO S, BOTTONE M, SIVERO L. Evaluation of the effect of autogenic training as psychological support to patients operated for cancer: a systematic review. Chirurgia (Bucur) 2023. [DOI: 10.23736/s0394-9508.22.05469-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2023]
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14
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Buis L, Moral-Munoz JA, Salazar A, Failde I. mHealth Intervention for Improving Pain, Quality of Life, and Functional Disability in Patients With Chronic Pain: Systematic Review. JMIR Mhealth Uhealth 2023; 11:e40844. [PMID: 36729570 PMCID: PMC9936365 DOI: 10.2196/40844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic pain (CP) is 1 of the leading causes of disability worldwide and represents a significant burden on individual, social, and economic aspects. Potential tools, such as mobile health (mHealth) systems, are emerging for the self-management of patients with CP. OBJECTIVE A systematic review was conducted to analyze the effects of mHealth interventions on CP management, based on pain intensity, quality of life (QoL), and functional disability assessment, compared to conventional treatment or nonintervention. METHODS PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis) guidelines were followed to conduct a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) databases from February to March 2022. No filters were used. The eligibility criteria were RCTs of adults (≥18 years old) with CP, intervened with mHealth systems based on mobile apps for monitoring pain and health-related outcomes, for pain and behavioral self-management, and for performing therapeutic approaches, compared to conventional treatments (physical, occupational, and psychological therapies; usual medical care; and education) or nonintervention, reporting pain intensity, QoL, and functional disability. The methodological quality and risk of bias (RoB) were assessed using the Checklist for Measuring Quality, the Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine Levels of Evidence, and the Cochrane RoB 2.0 tool. RESULTS In total, 22 RCTs, involving 2641 patients with different CP conditions listed in the International Classification of Diseases 11th Revision (ICD-11), including chronic low back pain (CLBP), chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMSP), chronic neck pain (CNP), unspecified CP, chronic pelvic pain (CPP), fibromyalgia (FM), interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and osteoarthritis (OA). A total of 23 mHealth systems were used to conduct a variety of CP self-management strategies, among which monitoring pain and symptoms and home-based exercise programs were the most used. Beneficial effects of the use of mHealth systems in reducing pain intensity (CNP, FM, IC/BPS, and OA), QoL (CLBP, CNP, IBS, and OA), and functional disability (CLBP, CMSP, CNP, and OA) were found. Most of the included studies (18/22, 82%) reported medium methodological quality and were considered as highly recommendable; in addition, 7/22 (32%) studies had a low RoB, 10/22 (45%) had some concerns, and 5/22 (23%) had a high RoB. CONCLUSIONS The use of mHealth systems indicated positive effects for pain intensity in CNP, FM, IC/BPS, and OA; for QoL in CLBP, CNP, IBS, and OA; and for functional disability in CLBP, CMSP, CNP, and OA. Thus, mHealth seems to be an alternative to improving pain-related outcomes and QoL and could be part of multimodal strategies for CP self-management. High-quality studies are needed to merge the evidence and recommendations of the use of mHealth systems for CP management. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews CRD42022315808; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=315808.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jose A Moral-Munoz
- Observatory of Pain, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain.,Department of Nursing and Physiotherapy, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain.,Institute of Research and Innovation in Biomedical Sciences of the Province of Cadiz (INiBICA), Cádiz, Spain
| | - Alejandro Salazar
- Observatory of Pain, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain.,Institute of Research and Innovation in Biomedical Sciences of the Province of Cadiz (INiBICA), Cádiz, Spain.,Department of Statistics and Operational Research, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Inmaculada Failde
- Preventive Medicine and Public Health Area, Department of Biomedicine, Biotechnology and Public Health, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain.,Observatory of Pain, University of Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain.,Institute of Research and Innovation in Biomedical Sciences of the Province of Cadiz (INiBICA), Cádiz, Spain
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