Potential Role of Focal Microvibration (Equistasi) in the Management of Chronic Pain: A Pilot Study.

Introduction: Chronic pain is one of the leading causes of medical consultation with a dramatic psychophysical and socioeconomic impact. Focal microvibration (Equistasi) is a revolutionary technology that converts the thermal energy of the skin into vibration. Equistasi was shown to be effective in the treatment of gait and balance dysfunction in many pathological conditions such as Parkinson's disease and multiple sclerosis. Our aim was to explore the efficacy of focal microvibration in the management of chronic pain.

Methods: We randomized 60 patients with pain of different origin into two groups: an experimental group (group E) treated with Equistasi, and a control group (group C) treated with standard pharmacological therapy. Pain, disability, and working capacity were evaluated by Brief Pain Inventory (BPI), Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Work Ability Index (WAI) at the baseline and after 7 (T7), 15 (T15), 30 (T30), 60 (T60), and 90 (T90) days.

Results: According to BPI, average and worst pain in the last 24 h significantly decreased in group E at T15 and this result persisted up to T90; pain interference on general activity, mood, waling ability, normal work, relations with other people, sleep, and enjoyment of life decreased in group E with a significant improvement from T15. Lifting activity and work ability in relation to demands also significantly improved in group E. No significant changes in BPI, ODI, and WAI scores were recorded in group C during the follow-up.

Conclusions: Focal microvibration can be an effective tool for managing chronic pain in combination with other therapies.