How do the target concepts of pain science education combined with exercise contribute to the effect on pain intensity and disability in patients with chronic spinal pain? A systematic review and meta-analysis with moderator analysis.

The aim of this study was to assess the moderator effect of the target concepts covered in the Pain science education (PSE) sessions, including both the total amount of target concepts and each individual target concept, on changes in pain intensity and disability in patients with chronic spinal pain (CSP). A systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Embase, Web of Science and CENTRAL was conducted from inception to March 10, 2024. A random effects model was used for meta-regression analysis. A total of 11 studies were included. The total amount of target concepts of PSE showed a significant correlation with changes in pain intensity (k=11; F=4.45; p=0.04; R2=26.07 %). In terms of each target content, only a significant effect on pain intensity was obtained for 'transfer knowledge about pain to an adaptive behavioural change' (z=-2.35, P =0.019, 95 %CI -3.42 to -0.31) and 'reconceptualization of pain' (z=-2.43, P =0.015, 95 %CI -3.70 to -0.39). No significant effect on disability was found. These results may be useful for optimising the effectiveness of PSE programmes.