Study overview
People with obesity can face greater MSK pain burden and additional barriers to in-person rehabilitation. This study evaluated whether Sword’s fully remote digital rehabilitation program supported people with chronic MSK pain across BMI categories.
Adults with chronic MSK pain were categorized into non-obesity, obesity, and severe obesity groups. Researchers assessed completion, engagement, satisfaction, pain improvement, daily activity impairment, and patient global impression of change.
Key findings
Completion rates were high across BMI groups
The study found high completion rates across non-obesity, obesity, and severe obesity groups, supporting the feasibility of remote care across BMI categories.
Pain improved across groups
Participants across BMI categories experienced significant clinical improvement, suggesting that people with obesity can benefit from a fully remote MSK program.
Engagement and satisfaction were maintained
The study evaluated engagement and satisfaction across BMI categories, helping assess whether digital care was acceptable and usable for people with different body sizes and needs.
Digital care may help overcome traditional access barriers
The findings suggest that remote rehabilitation can support people with obesity who may otherwise face logistical, stigma-related, or physical barriers to in-person care.
Why this study matters
This study is an important access and health equity page. It addresses whether digital MSK care works for people who may experience higher pain burden and more barriers to traditional rehabilitation.
The study should be framed carefully: it does not claim that obesity-related MSK pain is simple to treat. It shows that people across BMI categories can engage with and improve in a fully remote digital care program.
About the author
Fabiola Costa
Senior Director of Clinical Research, Sword Health
