Internet-delivered attentional bias modification training (iABMT) for the management of chronic musculoskeletal pain: a protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Christina Liossi, Tsampikos Georgallis, Jin Zhang, Fiona Hamilton, Paul White, Daniel Eric Schoth, Christina Liossi, Tsampikos Georgallis, Jin Zhang, Fiona Hamilton, Paul White, Daniel Eric Schoth

Abstract

Introduction: Chronic musculoskeletal pain is a complex medical condition that can significantly impact quality of life. Patients with chronic pain demonstrate attentional biases towards pain-related information. The therapeutic benefits of modifying attentional biases by implicitly training attention away from pain-related information towards neutral information have been supported in a small number of published studies. Limited research however has explored the efficacy of modifying pain-related biases via the internet. This protocol describes a randomised, double-blind, internet-delivered attentional bias modification intervention, aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the intervention on reducing pain interference. Secondary outcomes are pain intensity, state and trait anxiety, depression, pain-related fear, and sleep impairment. This study will also explore the effects of training intensity on these outcomes, along with participants' perceptions about the therapy.

Methods and analysis: The study is a double-blind, randomised controlled trial with four arms exploring the efficacy of online attentional bias modification training versus placebo training theorised to offer no specific therapeutic benefit. Participants with chronic musculoskeletal pain will be randomised to one of four groups: (1) 10-session attentional modification group; (2) 10-session placebo training group; (3) 18-session attentional modification group; or (4) 18-session placebo training group. In the attentional modification groups, the probe-classification version of the visual-probe task will be used to implicitly train attention away from threatening information towards neutral information. Following the intervention, participants will complete a short interview exploring their perceptions about the online training. In addition, a subgroup analysis for participants aged 16-24 and 25-60 will be undertaken.

Ethics and dissemination: This study has been approved by the University of Southampton Research Ethics Committee. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals, academic conferences, and in lay reports for pain charities and patient support groups.

Trial registration number: NCT02232100; Pre-results.

Keywords: attention bias modification; chronic pain; internet-delivered therapy; musculoskeletal pain; randomised-controlled trial; visual-probe task.

Conflict of interest statement

Competing interests: None declared.

© Author(s) (or their employer(s)) 2020. Re-use permitted under CC BY. Published by BMJ.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
A graphical representation of a typical visual-probe task training trial with linguistic stimuli.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Flow of the visual-probe task sessions for the 10-week and 18-week groups in the study. AMG, attentional modification group; PTG, placebo training group.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Examples of LifeGuide web pages included in the internet-delivered attentional bias modification training intervention.

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