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

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.