Introduction: In recent years, there has been an increase in the use of motor imagery (MI) in the rehabilitation of musculoskeletal pain conditions. Across the literature, most reviews have yet to consider Laterality Judgement Task training as a form of MI method. This review aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of using MI as an adjunct to standard rehabilitation on the improvement of pain and range of motion parameters when managing patients with musculoskeletal pain conditions. Methods: Searches of 8 major electronic databases were conducted. Data for pain and range of motion were extracted. Meta-analyses (where possible) with either a fixed or random-effect(s) model, standardized mean differences (SMDs), and tests of heterogeneity were performed. Results: Eight clinical controlled trials were identified and included in the meta-analyses. When compared with standard rehabilitation alone, the adjunctive role of MI provided superior pain relief (pooled SMD, −2.25; 95% confidence interval, −4.11 to −0.4; P=0.02), and greater improvement in range of motion (pooled SMD, 3.04; 95% confidence interval, 0.66-5.43; P=0.01) in chronic musculoskeletal pain disorders. Discussion: The results suggest that MI may be effective for pain relief and improvement in range of motion among chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions, although conclusion is based on a limited certainty of evidence as assessed using the GRADES (Grading of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) approach.

Return to Work (RTW) programmes have become imperative in manpower scarce countries. This paper describes a RTW programme in a Singapore tertiary hospital, reports patient outcomes and discusses the practicality and effectiveness of the programme. Seventy-three workers participated in the programme over a two-year period. A statistically significant increase in work ability and self-perceived overall health status from first contact with worker (baseline) to discharge was observed. Continued programme participation till first RTW was associated with higher work ability and self-perceived overall health status at baseline. The RTW Coordinator-anchored multidisciplinary model which provided holistic support to the worker and addressed stakeholder interests were central to the programme's success. Greater awareness of RTW programme benefits will improve sustained participation. Our RTW programme features, implementation experiences and participant reported effectiveness may inform the development of improved return to work models.