Efficacy of Conservative Interventions for Musculoskeletal Conditions on Pain and Disability in Active Serving Military Personnel—A Systematic Review

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction Musculoskeletal (MSK) injuries and associated pain disorders are one of the leading causes for soldiers not being medically fit for deployment, impacting force capability and readiness. Musculoskeletal pain continues to be a leading cause of disability within military services and is associated with a substantial financial burden. A better understanding of the effectiveness of MSK pain management strategies is required. This review was designed to determine the efficacy of nonsurgical interventions, such as physiotherapy, exercise, pharmacology, and multidisciplinary programs, to manage MSK conditions in active serving military populations. Materials and Methods MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, and SPORTDiscus were searched to identify relevant randomized clinical trials. Recommended methods were used for article identification, selection, and data extraction. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool and the Grade of Recommendation, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation were used to appraise the studies. Where possible, meta-analyses were performed. The review was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines. Results Nineteen articles (1,408 participants) met the eligibility criteria. Low back pain (LBP) was the most frequently investigated condition, followed by knee pain, neck pain, and shoulder pain. Early physiotherapy, exercise and adjunct chiropractic manipulation (for LBP), and multidisciplinary pain programs (physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and psychology) (for chronic MSK pain) improved pain (standardized mean difference ranged from −0.39 to −1.34; low strength of evidence). Participation in multidisciplinary pain programs, adjunct chiropractic manipulation, and early physiotherapy improved disability (for LBP) (standardized mean difference ranged from −0.45 to −0.86; low to very low strength of evidence). No studies evaluated pain medication. Dietary supplements (glucosamine, chondroitin sulfate, and manganese ascorbate), electrotherapy, isolated lumbar muscle exercises, home cervical traction, or training in virtual reality showed no benefit. The studies had a high risk of bias, were typically underpowered, and demonstrated high clinical heterogeneity. Conclusions Currently available randomized clinical trials do not provide sufficient evidence to guide military organizations or health care professionals in making appropriate treatment decisions to manage MSK pain in active serving military personnel. Future research is essential to enable evidence-based recommendations for the effective management of MSK pain conditions in this unique population.