Effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy versus conservative pain management on occupational performance in patients with low back pain: a systematic review protocol

Gemiele Elaine Delasas; Ninfa Mae Delgado; Isabelle Kezia Mojica; Stepanie Ragasa; Donald Manlapaz; Valentin Dones 3rd

doi:10.11124/JBIES-23-00480

Effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy versus conservative pain management on occupational performance in patients with low back pain: a systematic review protocol

JBI Evid Synth. 2025 Jan 7. doi: 10.11124/JBIES-23-00480. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Gemiele Elaine Delasas¹, Ninfa Mae Delgado¹, Isabelle Kezia Mojica¹, Stepanie Ragasa¹, Donald Manlapaz^{1

2}, Valentin Dones 3rd^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ Graduate School, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines.
² Center for Health Research and Movement Science: A JBI Affiliated Group, University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines.

PMID: 39763370
DOI: 10.11124/JBIES-23-00480

Abstract

Objective: This review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) in improving the occupational performance of individuals with low back pain (LBP) compared with conservative pain management.

Introduction: LBP is a condition that describes pain between the lower edge of ribs and the buttocks. It is projected to affect 843 million people by 2050, with significant economic and occupational consequences. CBT is a growing treatment for chronic pain that aims to change maladaptive thoughts and behaviors. This study examines the effectiveness of CBT in improving occupational performance.

Inclusion criteria: The review will focus on the effects of CBT on adults with musculoskeletal LBP, whether acute, subacute, or chronic. It will analyze randomized controlled trials, cohort, case-control, and quasi-experimental studies to assess CBT's impact on occupational performance, including activities of daily (ADLs), work and sleep.

Methods: Two independent reviewers will screen titles, abstracts, and full-text manuscripts from PubMed, CINAHL (EBSCOhost), Web of Science, Cochrane Library, OTSeeker, and ScienceDirect. A subgroup analysis will explore the effects of CBT on post-treatment outcomes, identifying sources of heterogeneity in its impact on ADLs, work, and sleep. Factors such as CBT type, delivery method, participant age, and LBP chronicity will be considered. The Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach will assess evidence certainty, and a Summary of Findings will be provided.

Systematic review registration number: PROSPERO CRD42023472522.