Combined Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Face-to-Face Physiotherapy in Primary Health Care for Chronic Widespread Pain: Randomized Controlled Trial - Scorecard - MDSpire

Combined Internet-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Face-to-Face Physiotherapy in Primary Health Care for Chronic Widespread Pain: Randomized Controlled Trial

  • By

  • Anna Bergenheim

  • Maria EH Larsson

  • Chan-Mei Ho-Henriksson

  • Anna Grimby-Ekman

  • Anna Caroline Larsson

  • Marie Persson

  • Sandra Weineland

  • Lena Nordeman

  • June 29, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Scorecard: Integration of Online Cognitive Behavioral Therapy with In-Person Physiotherapy for Chronic Widespread Pain in Primary Care: A Randomized Controlled Study

At a Glance

CategoryDetail
ConditionChronic Widespread Pain (CWP)
Key MechanismsCentral sensitization, impaired pain inhibition, dysregulation of the autonomic nervous system.
Target PopulationAdults with chronic widespread pain, particularly women.
Care SettingPrimary health care

Key Highlights

  • CWP affects 8-11% of the western population, more common in women.
  • Nonpharmacological treatments like physical exercise and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) are recommended.
  • Therapist-guided internet-based CBT (iCBT) shows comparable effects to face-to-face CBT.
  • Combining iCBT with physical activity may improve pain and stress-related symptoms.
  • The study was a multicenter randomized controlled trial with 129 participants.

Guideline-Based Recommendations

Diagnosis

  • CWP is diagnosed based on pain persistence and distribution criteria.

Management

  • Nonpharmacological treatments such as physical exercise and CBT are preferred.

Monitoring & Follow-up

  • Follow-up assessments should focus on pain intensity, psychological distress, and physical activity.

Risks

  • High attrition rates may affect the validity of long-term intervention effects.

Patient & Prescribing Data

Individuals with chronic widespread pain, particularly those experiencing stress-related symptoms.

Combining structured physical activity with stress-focused iCBT may enhance treatment outcomes.

Clinical Best Practices

  • Consider patient preferences when selecting exercise interventions.
  • Integrate stress management strategies into treatment plans for chronic pain.

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