Pain Neuroscience Education for Depression: A Pilot Study

Review Data

Q: Is the topic relevant to the journal area of interest? Is it contemporary and interesting for

researchers?

A: Very good

Abstract & Keywords

Q: Are all required components included in the abstract? Are the keywords appropriately chosen?

A: Excellent

Goal

Q: Is the goal explicitly stated in the Introduction? Is its formulation clear and unambiguous?

A: Very good

Structure

Q: Is the paper's structure coherent? Is it in coherence with the goal of the paper?

A: Very good

Tools and Methods

Q: Are methods the author uses adequate and well used?

A: Good

Discussion & Conclusion

Q: Is it related to the results presented before? Do you consider them as coherent?

A: Very good

Comments:

The study is well designed and executed. The Introduction lays down the basics for taking up the present study. The Methods and Results are adequately described. The Discussion offers a thorough and detailed analysis of the findings of the present study taking all the relevant literature into account. Results from this study show that a brief, one-on-one, physical therapist (PT)-led pain neuroscience education (PNE) session has a positive effect on a subgroup of patients with depression. The study aptly Concludes that PNE may be a safe, clinically effective way to help a subgroup of patients attending PT with depression.

Literature

Q: Does the author utilize relevant literature?

A: Good

Author's knowledge

Q: What is the level of the author’s knowledge? Does the author utilize all recent contributions relevant to the topic?

A: Good

Length

Q: Is the length of the paper adequate to the significance of the topic? Do you suggest shortening the paper without losing its value?

A: Good

Figures & Tables

Q: Does the author use them suitably? Are legend and notations clear?

A: Very good

Writing style

Q: Is it clear and understandable?

A: Very good

Further comments on the paper

Comments: This pilot study aims to determine if a brief, one-on-one pain neuroscience education (PNE) session delivered by a physical therapist (PT) can influence depression. This study holds significance as it is the first exploratory study assessing the potential benefit of PNE for patients attending PT with depression. Depression has been shown to be a leading cause of suicide, thus showcasing the importance for healthcare providers to screen for depression and treat or refer accordingly. In this study, a sub-group of patients with depression had significant changes and patients at higher levels of depression were shifted to lower, safer levels. Lack of control subjects, no long-term follow-up and lack of a PNE plus (PNE+) approach come out as some of the limitations of this study.

Q: Would you recommend this manuscript for further publication?

A: Yes - Suitable to be published

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Science Repository Team