The Effect of EMDR on Kinesiophobia and Daily Living in Elderly Patients with Musculoskeletal Pain: A Clinical Trial Study

Chronic musculoskeletal pain frequently leads to kinesiophobia (fear of movement) in older adults, markedly impairing functional independence. This study evaluated eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy for reducing kinesiophobia and improving daily activities in elderly pain patients. In a single-center, assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial, 62 participants aged 60 to 75 with chronic musculoskeletal pain were allocated to EMDR ( n = 31) or control ( n = 31) groups. The intervention group received six 50-min EMDR sessions adapted for geriatric kinesiophobia, while controls received usual care. Primary outcomes included the Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia-17 (TSK-17), activities of daily living (ADL), and instrumental ADL (IADL), assessed at baseline, post-treatment, and 1-month follow-up. Data were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA with Bonferroni correction. Groups were comparable at baseline (all P > 0.05). EMDR demonstrated significant kinesiophobia reduction (post-treatment: 20.35 versus 38.45; P < 0.001), improved ADL performance (15.64 versus 13.64; P = 0.013), and enhanced IADL scores (8.00 versus 6.25; P = 0.04). Effects remained stable at follow-up ( P < 0.001). EMDR significantly reduces kinesiophobia and enhances daily functioning in older adults with musculoskeletal pain. Thus, EMDR is recommended to manage movement-related fear and improve life activities in this population.