Protocol for the Implementation of Psychologically Informed Physical Therapy to Prevent Chronification in Service Members With Musculoskeletal Disorders

Abstract

Introduction: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a primary cause of separation and long-term disability in active duty service members (ADSMs). Psychologically informed physical therapy (PiPT) is designed to identify and address modifiable psychological risk factors early in an MSD episode and has been proven effective in preventing chronicity in civilian populations. We developed a course to train military physical therapy (PT) personnel in PiPT for treating ADSM with MSD. This study tests the feasibility and effectiveness of our training. Objective: Establish the feasibility of implementing PiPT and its effectiveness in the U.S. military. Specific Aims: 1. Demonstrate PiPT implementation feasibility. 2. Compare chronicity risk factors in two cohorts of patients with MSD. 3. Demonstrate the treatment effectiveness of PiPT. Materials and Methods: An observational, prospective, comparative cohort study will test implementation and effectiveness. First, we will observe clinical outcomes in a cohort of ADSM with MSD receiving usual PT care at a military outpatient PT clinic. Next, we will train all PT staff in PiPT. Finally, PiPT will be implemented in a second cohort of ADSM. Data will be collected from each cohort at pre-treatment, fourth PT visit, 6 months post enrollment, and 12 months post enrollment. The primary outcomes are pain interference and psychological risk for chronicity. Results and Conclusions: Data collection is ongoing. Findings will identify the factors associated with PiPT outcomes in ADSM, inform the implementation of PiPT across health care settings, and allow us to document the prevalence of risk factors for chronicity in ADSM. Findings can help to prevent chronification from MSD, thereby reducing lost man-hours and enhancing military readiness, contribute to the development of a highly skilled workforce for the provision of health services to ADSM, and enhance the efficiency of health care delivery through optimal allocation of PT resources, resulting in significant cost savings for the military.