Effects of spinal cord stimulation on pain, physical activity, and self-efficacy among patients with neuropathic pain

Effects of Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) on physical activity and self-efficacy remain unexplored. To evaluate effects of SCS on pain intensity, physical activity, health-related quality of life (HRQL), and self-efficacy among chronic neuropathic pain patients. Randomized controlled trial, the first phase of a 3-part intervention study. Patients >18 years of age underwent SCS implantation after a test trial and were randomized 1:1 to active SCS or conventional medical management (CMM) with the SCS switched off. Data were collected at baseline and 3 months after implantation regarding pain (Numeric Rating Scale; NRS), physical activity (accelerometer), HRQL, and self-efficacy. Participants implanted with SCS (n=42) were randomized to active SCS (n=21) or CMM (n=21). Nineteen participants crossed over from CMM to active SCS due to lack of pain relief. Neuropathic pain intensity decreased significantly from baseline to 3 months (NRS 6.7 to 4.5; p