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Volume 24, Issue 3 (September 2026)
Iranian Rehabilitation Journal 2026, 24(3): 259-272 |
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Sheikhhoseini R, Khosravi M, Samaei P, Ebrahimi E. The Effect of NASM-based Corrective Exercise Interventions on Musculoskeletal Pain Syndromes: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Iranian Rehabilitation Journal 2026; 24 (3) :259-272
URL: http://irj.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-2794-en.html
URL: http://irj.uswr.ac.ir/article-1-2794-en.html
1- Department of Sport Injuries and Corrective Exercises, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport Science, Allameh Tabataba’i University, Tehran, Iran.
2- Department of Sport Injuries and Biomechanics, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Health, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
3- Department of Sport Injuries and Biomechanics, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Health, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
2- Department of Sport Injuries and Biomechanics, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Health, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
3- Department of Sport Injuries and Biomechanics, Faculty of Sport Sciences and Health, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
Abstract: (806 Views)
Objectives: This study aimed to synthesize the effects of the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) corrective exercise continuum interventions on pain intensity in individuals with musculoskeletal pain syndromes (MSPS).
Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) framework and was prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD420261439458). PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched from inception to June 30, 2026, with Google Scholar used as a supplementary source. Randomized controlled and quasi-experimental studies investigating interventions incorporating the NASM corrective exercise continuum in individuals with MSPS were eligible. Standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled using a random-effects model.
Results: Twelve studies (n=382) were included in the quantitative synthesis. Overall, interventions incorporating the NASM corrective exercise continuum reduced pain compared with control interventions (SMD=1.057, 95% CI, 0.794%, 1.319%; P<0.001). Considerable heterogeneity was observed (I²=75%). Subgroup analyses demonstrated significant pain reduction for neck pain (SMD=0.904, 95% CI, 0.586%, 1.221%; P<0.001) and shoulder pain (SMD=1.311, 95% CI, 0.689%, 1.933%; P<0.001), whereas no significant effect was identified for back pain (SMD=0.691, 95% CI, −0.621%, 2.003%; P=0.302). The included studies were generally of moderate-to-high methodological quality, and Egger’s regression test indicated no evidence of significant publication bias (P=0.42).
Discussion: Interventions incorporating the NASM corrective exercise continuum appear to be an effective conservative intervention for reducing pain in individuals with MSPS, particularly those with neck and shoulder disorders. Further high-quality randomized controlled trials with standardized intervention protocols and longer follow-up periods are warranted to establish long-term effectiveness and identify patient populations most likely to benefit.
Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis followed the preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses (PRISMA) framework and was prospectively registered in PROSPERO (CRD420261439458). PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched from inception to June 30, 2026, with Google Scholar used as a supplementary source. Randomized controlled and quasi-experimental studies investigating interventions incorporating the NASM corrective exercise continuum in individuals with MSPS were eligible. Standardized mean differences (SMD) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were pooled using a random-effects model.
Results: Twelve studies (n=382) were included in the quantitative synthesis. Overall, interventions incorporating the NASM corrective exercise continuum reduced pain compared with control interventions (SMD=1.057, 95% CI, 0.794%, 1.319%; P<0.001). Considerable heterogeneity was observed (I²=75%). Subgroup analyses demonstrated significant pain reduction for neck pain (SMD=0.904, 95% CI, 0.586%, 1.221%; P<0.001) and shoulder pain (SMD=1.311, 95% CI, 0.689%, 1.933%; P<0.001), whereas no significant effect was identified for back pain (SMD=0.691, 95% CI, −0.621%, 2.003%; P=0.302). The included studies were generally of moderate-to-high methodological quality, and Egger’s regression test indicated no evidence of significant publication bias (P=0.42).
Discussion: Interventions incorporating the NASM corrective exercise continuum appear to be an effective conservative intervention for reducing pain in individuals with MSPS, particularly those with neck and shoulder disorders. Further high-quality randomized controlled trials with standardized intervention protocols and longer follow-up periods are warranted to establish long-term effectiveness and identify patient populations most likely to benefit.
Article type: Reviews |
Subject:
Sport medicine
Received: 2026/07/12 | Accepted: 2026/09/2 | Published: 2026/09/26
Received: 2026/07/12 | Accepted: 2026/09/2 | Published: 2026/09/26
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