Effect of a web-based app music intervention in the management of chronic pain: a randomised controlled trial by type of pain

Abstract

Digital technologies are increasingly being used to strengthen national health systems, but clinical evidence of their usefulness is rare. Music is used as a management technique for pain and recent publications have described the potential effects of personalized music choices via mobile-based mHealth (mobile health) interventions for pain. The objective of this study was to demonstrate the effects of a web-based app music intervention by type of chronic pain. Eighty-seven patients presenting with lumbar (n=22), fibromyalgia (n=22), inflammatory (n=22), or neurologic (n=21) pain were included in this controlled randomized trial. During their hospitalization, the music intervention arm (n=44) received at least 2 daily sessions the first 10 days, alongside their standard treatment, and then pursued the music intervention at home until day (D)60. The control arm (n=43) received standard treatment only. The primary endpoint was pain (VAS) measured at D0, D10, D60, and D90. Significant reduction (p=0.007) on the level of pain score at D60 has been observed on fibromyalgia pain with a better decrease in the music intervention group (-3.6 (±2.8)) than in the control group (-0.9 (±2.2)). This web-based app personalized music intervention appeared to be useful in managing fibromyalgia chronic pain as it enabled a significant reduction in pain level.