A review of mind/body therapies in the treatment of musculoskeletal disorders with implications for the elderly

Background A comprehensive, but not systematic review of the research on co mplementary and alternative treatments, specifically mind/body techniques, on musculoskeletal disease was conducted at Stanford University. The goals of the review were to establish a comprehensive literature review and provi de a rationale for future research carrying the theme of "successful aging. " Methods Computerized searches were conducted using MEDLINE, PsychInfo, Stan ford Library, Dissertation Abstracts, Lexus-Nexus, the Internet as well as interviews conducted with practitioners and the elderly, Mind/body practice s evaluated were: social support, cognitive-behavioral therapy, meditation, the placebo effect, imagery, visualization, spiritual/energy healing, musi c therapy, hypnosis, yoga, tai chi, and qigong. Studies published after 199 0 were the priority, bur when more recent literature was scarce, other cont rolled studies were included Results Mind/body techniques were found to be efficacious primarily as comp lementary treatments for musculoskeletal disease and related disorders. Stu dies provided evidence for treatment efficacy but most apparent was the nee d for further controlled research. Conclusions Reviewers found a dearth of randomized controlled research cond ucted in the US. There is a lack of studies with which to determine appropr iate dosage and understand the mechanisms by which many of the practices wo rk. Anecdotal evidence, some controlled research, clinical observation, as well as the cost effectiveness and lack of side effects of the mind/body tr eatments make further investigation a high priority.