Physiotherapistled Microlearning and Coping Interventions for Chronic Pain Relief in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Background: The chronic, systemic autoimmune disease known as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is typified by gradual joint deterioration, ongoing synovial inflammation, and long-term functional disability. In addition to inflammatory causes, central sensitization, muscle weakness, joint deformity, and psychosocial factors like anxiety, depression, and pain catastrophizing are common symptoms of chronic pain in people with RA. Despite the fact that pharmacological treatments, such as biologics, corticosteroids, and disease-modifying anti-rheumatic medications (DMARDs), successfully manage disease activity, many patients nevertheless have chronic pain and a decreased quality of life. This emphasizes the necessity of all-encompassing management strategies that take into account the psychological as well as the physical causes of chronic pain. Objective: The effectiveness of combining structured coping techniques with microlearning modules in lowering pain and enhancing RA patients' quality of life is examined in this study. Methods: In a 12-week randomized controlled trial, 60 RA patients were split into two groups: Group A received conventional care, whereas Group B received conventional care plus microlearning and coping mechanisms. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS), the Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ), and the WHOQOL-BREF were used to measure pain, functional ability, and quality of life, respectively. Results: Good randomization was shown by the similarity between the two groups in terms of age, gender distribution, and length of illness. Both groups appeared to have similar levels of discomfort at the start of the trial, as indicated by their almost identical baseline VAS scores. Group B demonstrated noteworthy improvements in all WHOQOL domains (p < 0.05), a significant decrease in mean VAS ratings (6.8 → 3.1, p < 0.01), and an improvement in the HAQ disability index (1.8 → 0.9). High levels of engagement and perceived use of microlearning interventions were indicated by participant comments. Conclusion: By adding coping mechanisms and microlearning to traditional RA treatment, chronic pain may be considerably reduced and quality of life improved, providing a scalable, patient-friendly supplement to standard care.