Search for Articles:
Title / Keyword
Author / Affiliation / Email
Journal
Article Type
 
 
Advanced Search
 
Section
Special Issue
Volume
Issue
Number
Page
 
4.1
3.0
Journals
JPM
Special Issues
How to Undertake Personalized Assessments and Cures for Pain
share announcement

How to Undertake Personalized Assessments and Cures for Pain

A special issue of Journal of Personalized Medicine (ISSN 2075-4426). This special issue belongs to the section "Personalized Therapy and Drug Delivery".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 September 2025 | Viewed by 6968

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Barbara Rocca

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Clinical Psychology, International Institute of Behavioral Medicine, 41018 Sevilla, Spain
Interests: behavioral therapy; cognitive therapy; pain; social neurosciences; outcome measures; education; psychological well-being; integrated sciences
Prof. Dr. Mario Scartozzi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Medical Oncology Unit, University Hospital, University of Cagliari, 09042 Cagliari, Italy
Interests: pancreatic cancer; gastrointestinal cancer; clinical trials; predictive biomarkers; translational research; precision medicine
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Pain is a complex experience, influenced by biological, psychological, and social factors. It is necessary to implement the awareness and personalization of pain evaluations and treatments to maximize the effectiveness of treatments and improve people's quality of life.

This includes the involvement of physicians belonging to different fields, psychologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and nurses.

The personalization of care represents a promising paradigm, by providing assessments and therapies tailored to each person's needs, thus leading to more effective and long-lasting results.

As for medical sciences, the focus is on pain related to musculoskeletal, neurological, and oncological diseases, across multiple disciplines. Regarding psychological sciences, the emphasis is given to cognitive-behavioral therapy, also including acceptance and commitment therapy, and pain management education. They are all expected to promote overall well-being.

Studies on the topic in the form of original research and reviews from scholars are welcomed.

Dr. Barbara Rocca
Prof. Dr. Mario Scartozzi
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Journal of Personalized Medicine is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2600 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • pain
  • suffering
  • personalization
  • evaluation
  • treatment
  • outcome
  • medicine
  • surgery
  • rehabilitation
  • psychology

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

  • Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
  • Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
  • Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
  • External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
  • e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

Download All Papers
Order results
Result details
Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

Jump to: Review

21 pages, 1527 KiB  
Article
Chronic Pain Management Approaches among Spanish Physiotherapists: Influences, Practices, Barriers, and Challenges
by Ángeles Díaz-Fernández, Irene Cortés-Pérez, Esteban Obrero-Gaitán, Ana Raquel Ortega-Martínez, María Catalina Osuna-Pérez, Noelia Zagalaz-Anula and Rafael Lomas-Vega
J. Pers. Med. 2024, 14(9), 903; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm14090903 - 26 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1150
Abstract
This study evaluated Spanish physiotherapists’ orientations toward biopsychosocial and biomedical approaches in chronic pain management through a cross-sectional survey of 447 registered professionals. Validated questionnaires assessed knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs. Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) identified influential factors and ordinal regression determined the [...] Read more.
This study evaluated Spanish physiotherapists’ orientations toward biopsychosocial and biomedical approaches in chronic pain management through a cross-sectional survey of 447 registered professionals. Validated questionnaires assessed knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs. Multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA) identified influential factors and ordinal regression determined the frequency of biopsychosocial application. Content analysis of open-ended responses explored barriers to biopsychosocial implementation. Over 50% of physiotherapists favored the biopsychosocial model, influenced by interdisciplinary work settings, advanced pain knowledge, and specific training. Comprehensive pain knowledge significantly impacted both biomedical and biopsychosocial orientations inversely. The biomedical approach was more prevalent among those with lower education levels and less pain knowledge, particularly at the beginning or over 20 years into their careers. Despite the theoretical preference for biopsychosocial among Spanish physiotherapists, practical application was infrequent, with only 9.8% always using it and 40.7% frequently. Self-reported confidence and skills were crucial determinants of biopsychosocial implementation frequency. Significant barriers included inadequate psychological skills (63.6%), coordination challenges (47.6%), time constraints (43.6%), patient misconceptions (34.2%), and systemic issues. These findings align with international research, highlighting the need to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and clinical practice. Addressing these challenges through targeted training and systemic reforms is crucial for improving chronic pain management globally. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue How to Undertake Personalized Assessments and Cures for Pain)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 470 KiB  
Article
Reliability, Concurrent Validity, and Clinical Performances of the Shorter Version of the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire in a Sample of Italian People with Non-Specific Low Back Pain
by Teresa Paolucci, Letizia Pezzi, Daniele Coraci, Lucrezia Tognolo, Andrea Pantalone, Carmine Attanasi, Giancarlo Graziani, Davide Dalla Costa, Federico Arippa, Alice Cichelli and Marco Monticone
J. Pers. Med. 2024, 14(7), 740; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm14070740 - 11 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 836
Abstract
Background. Evaluating the psychometric and clinical performances of the RM-18, the shorter version of the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMQ), in Italian people with non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) as a time-saving and clinically useful method of assessing disability. Methods. This cross-sectional study [...] Read more.
Background. Evaluating the psychometric and clinical performances of the RM-18, the shorter version of the Roland Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMQ), in Italian people with non-specific low back pain (NSLBP) as a time-saving and clinically useful method of assessing disability. Methods. This cross-sectional study included 74 people (52 females and 22 males, 53.03 ± 15.25 years old) with NSLBP. The RM-18, the RMQ, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and a pain intensity numerical rating scale (NRS) were administered. Psychometric testing included reliability by internal consistency (Cronbach’s alpha) and test–retest measurement (Intraclass Correlation Coefficient, ICC2.1), and concurrent validity by comparing the RM-18 with the RMQ and the ODI (Pearson’s r correlation). Two separate regression analyses were performed to investigate the different impact of RM-18 and RMQ on NRS. Results. Cronbach’s α of RM-18 was 0.92 and ICC (2,1) = 0.96. Strong correlations were found with the RMQ and the ODI (r = 0.98; r = 0.78, respectively). The regression models showed that the RM-18 and the RMQ similarly impacted the NRS (p < 0.001). Conclusion. The RM-18 showed satisfactory psychometric testing and similarly impacted the NRS when compared to the RMQ. It can be recommended for clinical and research purposes in Italian people with NSLBP. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue How to Undertake Personalized Assessments and Cures for Pain)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

13 pages, 325 KiB  
Article
Quality of Life in Patients with Chronic Low Back Pain and Differences by Sex: A Longitudinal Study
by Xavier Pericot-Mozo, Rosa Suñer-Soler, Glòria Reig-Garcia, Josefina Patiño-Masó, Miquel Sitjar-Suñer, Afra Masià-Plana and Carme Bertran-Noguer
J. Pers. Med. 2024, 14(5), 496; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm14050496 - 8 May 2024
Viewed by 1880
Abstract
Background: The experience of chronic low back pain has a significant impact on the quality of life of affected people, resulting in difficulties in performing basic activities of daily living. Aim: To study the perceived quality of life of people affected by chronic [...] Read more.
Background: The experience of chronic low back pain has a significant impact on the quality of life of affected people, resulting in difficulties in performing basic activities of daily living. Aim: To study the perceived quality of life of people affected by chronic low back pain and the associated factors by sex. Methods: A prospective, longitudinal and observational design was used. Results: A total of 129 people (58.1% women) with chronic low back pain were studied. The mean pain intensity scores were of moderate severity (6.42 points), with a modest improvement at follow-up (6.17 points). Epidural nerve blocks were the most effective therapeutic intervention in reducing the intensity of pain. Participants described a negative perception of their health with regard to quality of life, with low scores for the two constructs both at baseline (health index, 0.444; perception of health, 38.76 points) and at follow-up (health index, 0.447; perception of health, 40.43 points). Participants had severe functional limitation scores (50.79 points). The results were significantly better among men. There was an inverse relationship between the average pain intensity (β = −0.304; p < 0.001), functional limitation (β = −0.466; p < 0.001) and mental health (β = −0.565; p < 0.001) and quality of life. Conclusions: The chronification of low back pain complicates people’s biopsychosocial adaptation to life. There is a longitudinal inverse association between pain and functional limitation and health-related quality of life. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue How to Undertake Personalized Assessments and Cures for Pain)
13 pages, 642 KiB  
Article
Perceived Health Benefits in Vestibular Schwannoma Patients with Long-Term Postoperative Headache: Insights from Personality Traits and Pain Coping—A Cross-Sectional Study
by Mareike Thomas, Hannah Führes, Maximilian Scheer, Stefan Rampp, Christian Strauss, Robby Schönfeld and Bernd Leplow
J. Pers. Med. 2024, 14(1), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm14010075 - 8 Jan 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1291
Abstract
Postoperative headaches (POHs) following retrosigmoid microsurgery for vestibular schwannoma (VS) can significantly impact patients’ perceived health benefits (PHBs). In this cross-sectional observational study, 101 VS patients were investigated. For the assessment of pain, the Rostock Headache Compendium (RoKoKo) and the German pain processing [...] Read more.
Postoperative headaches (POHs) following retrosigmoid microsurgery for vestibular schwannoma (VS) can significantly impact patients’ perceived health benefits (PHBs). In this cross-sectional observational study, 101 VS patients were investigated. For the assessment of pain, the Rostock Headache Compendium (RoKoKo) and the German pain processing questionnaire (FESV) were used. The perceived health benefits (PHBs) were assessed by the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI) and Big Five personality traits were measured using the Ten-Item Personality Inventory (TIPI-G). We showed that 55% of the participants experienced POHs, leading to a marked reduction in overall PHBs compared to those without POHs. The correlation analysis revealed an association between decreased PHBs and elevated levels of pain-related helplessness, depression, anxiety, and anger. Positive correlations were identified between PHBs and action-planning competence, cognitive restructuring, and the experience of competence. Low emotional stability and openness yielded associations with pain-related psychological impairment. Hearing loss and facial paresis did not exert a significant impact on PHBs. The study highlights the influence of pain-related coping strategies on PHBs in long-term POH patients. Thus, coping mechanisms and personality traits should be assessed even before surgery for post-surgery pain prevention. The limitations of this study include a relatively small sample size, potential biases introduced by the overrepresentation of female patients, and the use of an online survey methodology. In conclusion, this research highlights that the interplay between headaches, PHBs, and psychological factors is also relevant in VS patients undergoing microsurgery. Short-term psychological interventions should therefore be taken into account to improve post-surgery adaptive coping strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue How to Undertake Personalized Assessments and Cures for Pain)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Review

Jump to: Research

19 pages, 724 KiB  
Review
Cerebellar Non-Invasive Brain Stimulation: A Frontier in Chronic Pain Therapy
by Valerio Sveva, Alessandro Cruciani, Marco Mancuso, Francesca Santoro, Anna Latorre, Marco Monticone and Lorenzo Rocchi
J. Pers. Med. 2024, 14(7), 675; https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm14070675 - 23 Jun 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1233
Abstract
Chronic pain poses a widespread and distressing challenge; it can be resistant to conventional therapies, often having significant side effects. Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques offer promising avenues for the safe and swift modulation of brain excitability. NIBS approaches for chronic pain management [...] Read more.
Chronic pain poses a widespread and distressing challenge; it can be resistant to conventional therapies, often having significant side effects. Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) techniques offer promising avenues for the safe and swift modulation of brain excitability. NIBS approaches for chronic pain management targeting the primary motor area have yielded variable outcomes. Recently, the cerebellum has emerged as a pivotal hub in human pain processing; however, the clinical application of cerebellar NIBS in chronic pain treatment remains limited. This review delineates the cerebellum’s role in pain modulation, recent advancements in NIBS for cerebellar activity modulation, and novel biomarkers for assessing cerebellar function in humans. Despite notable progress in NIBS techniques and cerebellar activity assessment, studies targeting cerebellar NIBS for chronic pain treatment are limited in number. Nevertheless, positive outcomes in pain alleviation have been reported with cerebellar anodal transcranial direct current stimulation. Our review underscores the potential for further integration between cerebellar NIBS and non-invasive assessments of cerebellar function to advance chronic pain treatment strategies. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue How to Undertake Personalized Assessments and Cures for Pain)
►▼ Show Figures

Figure 1

Show export options expand_more Show export options expand_less
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:
 
Displaying articles 1-5
Back to TopTop