Chronic musculoskeletal pain and function improve with a plant-based diet.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to examine the value of a plant-based diet in managing chronic musculoskeletal pain and functional limitations.
Results Summary
The plant-based diet intervention resulted in decreased pain and improved quality of life, with 10 out of 14 subjects showing 89% adherence to the diet. However, the small sample size and lack of a comparison group warrant caution in interpreting the results.
Population
Fourteen subjects with chronic musculoskeletal pain (originally 20 subjects, but 6 dropped out).
Effective Dosage
Not specified (sample menu cycle provided by a dietitian).
Duration
Eight weeks.
Interactions
None mentioned.
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
plant-based diet | decrease | chronic pain | persons with chronic pain | - | may improve the status | #1 |
diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains | decrease | chronic pain and disability | persons with musculoskeletal conditions | - | has been shown to reduce | #2 |
plant-based diet | decrease | pain | subjects | - | resulted in decreased | #3 |
plant-based diet | increase | quality of life | subjects | - | improvement in | #4 |
plant-based diet | increase | chronic pain and function | - | - | produced positive improvements in | #5 |
BACKGROUND: Chronic musculoskeletal pain, often debilitating, affects all genders, ethnicities, and age groups. Research suggests consumption of a plant-based diet may improve the status of persons with chronic pain. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains has been shown to reduce chronic pain and disability associated with musculoskeletal conditions. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to examine the value of a plant-based diet in the management of chronic musculoskeletal pain and functional limitations. METHOD: Fourteen subjects participated in the eight-week study. Baseline evaluation included anthropometric measurements and completion of two self-reported outcome measures: Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and the Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). A registered dietitian nutritionist provided a sample menu cycle and education on a plant-based diet. Subjects utilized a phone app to log food intake and receive support from the dietitian. Post data collection included a repeat of the baseline measures and the Patient Global Impression of Change Scale. The sample was small. Twenty subjects began, 14 completed. No comparison group was used. Results should be considered with caution. RESULTS: The diet intervention resulted in decreased pain and improvement in quality of life. Diet adherence by ten of fourteen subjects was 89% based on completion of food intake records and adherence to allowed foods. CONCLUSION: Consumption of a plant-based diet produced positive improvements in chronic pain and function. Interprofessional collaboration between physical therapists and registered dietitian nutritionists, along with other healthcare practitioners, can encourage and promote diet interventions that positively affect chronic pain.